Mumbai Indians booked their place in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2025 with a thrilling 20-run win over Gujarat Titans in a high-stakes Eliminator at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Friday night. Chasing a daunting 229, GT put up a spirited fight but were restricted to 208/6 despite valiant efforts from Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar.
Sudharsan continued his red-hot form with a superb 80 off 49 balls, while Sundar added fireworks with a rapid 48 off just 24 deliveries. But their efforts weren’t enough as Mumbai’s bowlers held their nerve in the closing stages. MI will now lock horns with Punjab Kings in the second qualifier on Sunday for a shot at the final.
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Before the game began, a brief but viral moment caught fans’ attention as GT skipper Shubman Gill appeared to snub a handshake from MI captain Hardik Pandya at the toss. While many believed it was an innocent oversight, social media buzzed with speculation and criticism directed at the India Test captain.
Shubman gill involved in ego war with Hardik Pandya 🤪 Hardik tried to shake his hands but Shubman didn’t because of his fragile ego that too in front of the one who made his t20 career.
— Crasher🤴🏾 (@lmao_crx3r) May 30, 2025
On the field, Pandya’s decision to bat first proved spot on. Openers Rohit Sharma and Jonny Bairstow laid a powerful foundation, adding 84 runs in just 7.2 overs. Bairstow, playing his first game of the season after replacing Ryan Rickelton, hammered a quickfire 47 off 22 balls.
Rohit was the standout performer with a commanding 81 off 50 deliveries, his fourth fifty of the season, laced with nine fours and four towering sixes.
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GT’s chase faltered early as Gill fell cheaply, but Sudharsan and Sundar kept them in the hunt. Richard Gleeson’s timely dismissal of Sudharsan tilted the game back in MI’s favour, and despite a late charge from Rutherford, GT couldn’t bridge the gap.
