Marcus Stoinis once again proved why he’s considered one of the most valuable utility players in the IPL. In a high-stakes clash between Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians during IPL 2025 Qualifier 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the Aussie allrounder provided a crucial early breakthrough that swung momentum Punjab’s way.
After a frustrating two-hour delay due to persistent rain and a damp outfield, the game finally got underway. Punjab skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and chose to bowl first — a decision that immediately paid dividends, thanks to Stoinis.
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Introduced in the third over, Stoinis faced the in-form Rohit Sharma, who had looked dangerous in the previous match against Gujarat Titans with a match-winning knock of 81. Rohit tried to assert dominance early by sending Stoinis’s first delivery to the boundary. But the very next ball changed everything.
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Stoinis, bowling a clever length delivery, tempted Rohit into another aggressive shot. The veteran opener mistimed it, sending it high to deep backward square leg where Vijaykumar Vyshak made no mistake under pressure. It was a huge breakthrough, and Stoinis made sure everyone knew it — beating his chest and roaring in celebration as Rohit walked back for just 8 runs off 7 balls.
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It was a fiery send-off, reflective of the intensity and pressure that comes with an IPL knockout match. Losing Rohit early was a massive dent to Mumbai’s plans, especially given the form he had shown in the Eliminator.
At the time of writing, Mumbai Indians had regrouped somewhat, reaching 102/2 after 10 overs, with Jonny Bairstow and Tilak Varma holding the fort. However, Stoinis’s early strike could prove pivotal as the match unfolds.
