IPL 2025: MI Openers and Bumrah’s Bowling Set Up Qualifier Clash Against Punjab Kings

In a thrilling, high-scoring encounter, Sai Sudharsan’s 80 went in vain as the Gujarat Titans bowed out after a 20-run defeat to the Mumbai Indians. Rohit Sharma’s 81 stood out in MI’s total of 228 after they chose to bat, but despite a strong fightback from the Titans, their efforts fell just short.

Jasprit Bumrah was the game-changer. In a match that saw 436 runs scored in total, Bumrah delivered impressive figures of 4-0-27-1, emerging as the most economical bowler on the field. Beyond the stats, his bowling spells shifted the momentum decisively. When Sai Sudharsan and Washington Sundar were forging a rapid partnership, scoring at nearly 12 runs per over, Bumrah came on for his third spell and dismissed Sundar.

That breakthrough triggered mounting pressure on the Titans, causing their run rate to drop below 10 after Bumrah’s return. In his final over, although he conceded a six, he gave away just eight runs overall and proved to be the crucial difference between the two teams.

Rohit and Bairstow Ignite Mumbai Indians’ Powerplay Surge

Rohit Sharma and Jonny Bairstow propelled Mumbai Indians to their highest powerplay total of the season. Rohit benefited from two early drops on scores of 3 and 12, while Bairstow took the initiative first, aggressively targeting Prasidh Krishna after a cautious beginning.

In the fourth over, Bairstow dominated Krishna, smashing 26 runs with a mix of pulls, slices, and drives, including three sixes and two fours, rattling the bowling attack. Rohit picked up momentum following a slower start, executing three powerful sweeps off R Sai Kishore in the final over of the powerplay, adding three boundaries and setting a strong foundation for MI after electing to bat.

Rohit Keeps the Momentum Going

Jonny Bairstow was denied a half-century by a brilliant relay catch at point, initiated by Sai Sudharsan. Dismissing him for 47 in the eighth over, Bairstow had already laid a solid foundation for the innings. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, having surpassed 7,000 IPL runs, reached his fifty off 27 balls and continued to anchor the innings alongside Suryakumar Yadav. Rohit also played a key role in dismantling the Titans’ spin attack of Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore during the middle overs, increasing the pressure on Gujarat.

Yadav took on Gerald Coetzee aggressively but was lucky to survive a second drop of the night by Kusal Mendis after smashing two consecutive sixes. However, his stay was short-lived as Sai Kishore dismissed him off the last ball of his spell with a deep catch off a slog sweep. That breakthrough allowed the spinners to tighten the grip with some quiet overs before Tilak Varma joined Rohit to rebuild the innings.

Explosive Finish Propels MI to 228

A blistering final over, featuring three towering sixes from Hardik Pandya, helped Mumbai Indians reach a strong total of 228. The innings had wavered momentarily as both Tilak Varma and Rohit Sharma were dismissed within four deliveries, boosting Gujarat Titans’ hopes of containing MI. However, Pandya’s late surge gave Mumbai the momentum they needed to finish on a high. For the Titans, only Rashid Khan managed to keep things relatively tight, conceding just 31 runs in his four overs.

Sudharsan Leads Gujarat Titans’ Revival

Gujarat Titans faced an early blow when Shubman Gill was clean bowled by a sharp inswinger from Trent Boult in the very first over, deepening their troubles. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians looked confident, riding the momentum they had built. However, true to the pattern seen throughout the series, Sai Sudharsan stepped up to rescue the Titans.

He launched the fightback with a six off Boult, supported by Kusal Mendis, who struck two sixes of his own. Sudharsan kept the pressure on with two boundaries off Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah, steadily mounting the attack. Together, Sudharsan and Mendis forged a crucial 64-run partnership, reigniting GT’s hopes of a comeback.

Sudharsan and Washington Keep Titans in the Hunt

An 84-run partnership for the third wicket steadied the Gujarat Titans during the crucial middle overs. After Kusal Mendis was dismissed hit wicket, the Titans introduced two left-handers to the crease—a move that paid off. Their presence kept left-arm spinner Mitchell Santner at bay, allowing them to build a valuable stand. Sudharsan reached his fifty off 28 balls, while Washington Sundar found his rhythm against Boult, smashing back-to-back sixes followed by a boundary to ease the pressure on Sudharsan, who had been leading the chase.

The pair maintained a scorching run rate close to 12 per over, threatening to take control of the match. However, Hardik Pandya brought back his strike bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who delivered once again by yorking Sundar for 48, pulling Mumbai Indians back into contention.

Mumbai Indians’ Bowlers Seal a Nail-Biting Finish

Mumbai Indians’ bowlers held their nerve expertly in the death overs to close out a tight contest. A key moment came when the well-set Sai Sudharsan missed a scoop and was bowled for 80 by Richard Gleeson, dealing a big blow to the Gujarat Titans. Young Ashwani Kumar then joined forces with the experienced Jasprit Bumrah to maintain tight control, building pressure with some quiet but crucial overs.

Trent Boult struck by dismissing Sherfane Rutherford, who swung to deep midwicket early in the penultimate over. Despite a towering six from Shahrukh Khan reducing the target to 24 off the final over, Gleeson, battling a niggle, had to leave the attack after bowling three dot balls. Ashwani stepped in and delivered the decisive blow, sealing Mumbai Indians’ victory.

Brief Scores

Mumbai Indians: 228/5 in 20 overs (Rohit Sharma 81, Jonny Bairstow 47; Jasprit Bumrah 1/27, Rashid Khan 0/31)
Gujarat Titans: 208/6 in 20 overs (Sai Sudharsan 80, Washington Sundar 48; Richard Gleeson 2/34, Jasprit Bumrah 1/27)
Result: Mumbai Indians won by 20 runs.

What’s Next for Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians?

Gujarat Titans’ journey comes to an end, while Mumbai Indians advance to face Punjab Kings in the second Qualifier on June 1, set to be played in Ahmedabad.

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