IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians Beat Gujarat Titans by 20 Runs in Eliminator, Set to Face Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2

Mumbai Indians Beat Gujarat Titans: Mumbai Indians held their nerve in a high-octane IPL 2025 Eliminator on Friday night, defeating Gujarat Titans by 20 runs in a match that had all the makings of a playoff classic. Riding on the brilliance of Rohit Sharma and a blazing debut from Jonny Bairstow, Mumbai posted a mammoth 228/5 before their bowlers managed to halt a valiant chase by the Titans at 208/6.

Opting to bat first on a pitch with less grass cover than usual, Mumbai Indians got off to a flying start, thanks to Bairstow’s whirlwind 47 off just 22 balls. Making his IPL debut for Mumbai, the Englishman stamped his authority early, smashing Titans’ star pacer Prasidh Krishna for 26 runs in the fourth over, including three towering sixes. Rohit Sharma, who had luck on his side after being dropped twice, capitalized fully and went on to score a vintage 81 off 50 balls, timing his strokes with ease and aggression.

The powerplay yielded 79 runs for Mumbai — their best of the season — setting the tone for the innings. Rohit took down spinner Sai Kishore with sweeps and slogs, then boldly targeted Rashid Khan, hitting the Afghan spinner for a six and a four in a show of intent. Once Suryakumar Yadav joined in with a brisk 33 off 20, the run-rate surged further. Tilak Varma’s cameo of 25 off 11 added the finishing touch before Hardik Pandya unleashed two sixes in the final over to push the score beyond 225.

In response, Gujarat Titans began their innings with purpose but faced early pressure. Yet, Sai Sudharsan rose to the occasion, crafting a stylish 80 off 49 balls. Displaying calm elegance amidst a flurry of boundaries, Sudharsan pierced the field with finesse, keeping Titans in the hunt even as wickets tumbled around him.

Washington Sundar also played his part, contributing 48 off 24 balls in a partnership that rekindled hope for the Titans. But it was Jasprit Bumrah’s deadly yorker to dismiss Sundar and Richard Gleeson’s clutch bowling — despite nursing a hamstring strain — that turned the game decisively in Mumbai’s favor. Gleeson bowled just three balls in the final over with Titans needing 24 runs, conceding minimal runs before vice-captain Suryakumar Yadav brought in Ashwini Kumar to close the match.

The loss highlighted Titans’ struggles in pressure games. Dropped catches — including two of Rohit and one of Suryakumar — and erratic bowling cost them dearly. This marked the third consecutive match where their opponents crossed the 225-run mark, a glaring concern that ultimately led to their exit.

Mumbai Indians now march into Qualifier 2, set to clash with Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad on June 1. With momentum on their side and a lineup firing on all cylinders, the five-time champions will fancy their chances to make yet another IPL final.