Match Overview: MI Elect to Bat, Record Powerplay Sets Tone
Mumbai Indians (MI vs GT) captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and opted to bat first against Gujarat Titans (GT) in the high-stakes IPL 2025 Eliminator at Mullanpur. With both teams missing key players (Buttler, Rickelton, Jacks) due to international duty, MI debuted Jonny Bairstow, Richard Gleeson, and Raj Bawa, while GT handed Kusal Mendis his IPL debut .
Tactical Shifts:
- MI’s Aggressive Top Order: Bairstow opened with Rohit Sharma, replacing Ryan Rickelton.
- GT’s Spin Gambit: Washington Sundar replaced seamer Arshad Khan to exploit the dry pitch .
Powerplay Carnage: Bairstow-Rohit Demolish GT Bowling
MI roared to 79/0 in 6 overs—their best powerplay of IPL 2025—overshadowing GT’s famed pace attack.
Key Moments:
- Bairstow’s Blitz (47 off 22 balls):
- Hammered Prasidh Krishna for 26 runs in one over (6, 4, 6, 6, 4).
- Dominated with pulls, drives, and reverse sweeps, striking at 213.63 .
- Rohit’s Reprieved Aggression (35* off 23):
- Dropped twice: Gerald Coetzee spilled a pull shot at fine leg, and Kusal Mendis missed a top-edge.
- Unleashed three boundaries off Sai Kishore: a six and two fours via sweeps .
GT’s Fielding Woes:
Dropped catches and misfields epitomized their pressure struggles. Mohammed Siraj’s early swing (8 runs off first over) was negated by wayward lines from Prasidh (42 runs in 2 overs) .
Turning Point: Sudharsan-Coetzee Combine to Break Partnership
At 84/1 after 7.2 overs, GT struck back via Sai Kishore’s clever bowling:
- Bairstow’s Dismissal: Attempted a reverse sweep, but Sai Sudharsan’s flying stop at point parried the ball to Coetzee at short third .
- Impact: Ended the 84-run opening stand—MI’s highest this season. ( MI vs GT )
Rashid Khan’s Control: Spin Halts MI’s Momentum
After the powerplay frenzy, Rashid Khan’s economical over (3 runs in the 7th) stifled MI:
- Precision: Googlies and quicker lengths restricted Rohit and new batter Suryakumar Yadav.
- Context: Rashid entered with GT’s best playoff economy rate (min. 10 wickets) .
Tactical Analysis MI vs GT: MI’s Batting vs GT’s Bowling
MI’s Strengths:
- Top-Order Firepower: Bairstow’s aggression offset Rohit’s initial rust.
- Suryakumar’s Form: 640 runs this season—no score under 25 .
GT’s Challenges:
- Buttler’s Absence: Mendis debuted, but GT lost their batting anchor (avg. 35.61).
- Rashid’s Off Day: Despite one tight over, he struggled earlier in playoffs .
| Phase | MI Score | Run Rate | Key Performer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Powerplay (1-6) | 79/0 | 13.16 | Bairstow (39 off 14) |
| Middle Overs (7-12) | 101/1 (8.3 ov) | 9.18 | Rohit (35*) |
What’s Next: Winner Faces Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2
The victor advances to challenge Punjab Kings for a finals berth. MI aims to become the first fourth-placed team to win the title, while GT eyes a third final in four seasons .
Conclusion: MI’s Dream Alive, GT’s Resilience Tested
At 101/1 after 9 overs, MI holds the edge. Rohit Sharma’s quest for a seventh IPL title hinges on capitalizing this platform. GT needs Rashid Khan and Mohammed Siraj to strike urgently.
Final Thought: Can GT’s “clutch gene” (2 finals in 2 seasons) overcome MI’s playoff pedigree?
Explore Live Scorecards: GT vs MI ESPNcricinfo | Sports NDTV
#IPL2025 #MumbaiIndians #GujaratTitans #Cricket #MI vs GT