MI eliminate GT to set up Qualifier 2 with PBKS
Rohit and Bairstow took MI to the second-highest total in any IPL playoff game, and ensured that GT's target always remained just out of reach
Rohit and Bairstow took MI to the second-highest total in any IPL playoff game, and ensured that GT's target always remained just out of reach
Scorer: Chandan Duorah | Commentator: @himanshu_a30
One more game ticked off, and we're left with only two more this season. RCB are waiting in the final, but before that, MI and PBKS will meet in Ahmedabad on June 1. Tonight, MI capitalised on a flat pitch and their luck, and their total of 228 in an Eliminator meant GT had to go big from ball one. Sai Sudharsan again looked in great touch - he hit a quick 80 - but didn't get enough support from the other end. So GT's campaign ends, but don't forget, the action in IPL 2025 will continue. So until next time, this is goodnight and goodbye!
Rohit Sharma is the Player of the Match: "I've got only four fifties; I think I would have liked to get more. I do understand the importance of playing the Eliminator. Again, a complete team performance. When I play, it's trying to understand how I can play my best. Today, after having those luck going my way, I knew I had to make the most of it. I'm glad I could do that, and get the team into a good position. We knew it would be slightly challenging with the dew coming in. I've played all those shots in the game before, and unfortunately, I found fielders [today]. I got lucky; those catches got dropped. Even after the drop, you've got to play well. It was a good bowling effort as well. I've watched Bairstow over the years being on the other side... we know what he can do upfront with the bat. Took his chances, and it came off. We always look for that start."
Hardik Pandya: "At one point of time, the game was even-stevens. I thought the wicket got better in the second innings. The way Jonny started, for him to make our debut for us... the way Ro batted. He took his time. When you see important games, all these margins help. Its very simple: whenever you feel the game is going far [away], just get him. It's like Mumbai housing prices - he's that expensive! I just need to throw the ball. I just thought if we can keep some extra runs at the end. It was important Jassi comes and bowls that over, and the margin becomes bigger. It's going to be very important to recover well."
Time for the presentations
Ashwani Kumar: "The chat was around bowling well. The wicket was flat, and we wanted to stick to the plan. I wasn't sure that I would be used as Impact Sub; perhaps the idea first was to use a spinner. I just spoke to the coaches regarding the plan. In the last three balls, I just didn't want to bowl a no-ball."
Deepak M: "Heartbreak for Sai Sudharsan"
Shubman Gill: "Last three or four overs didn't go our way, but still a very good game of cricket. Not easy when we drop three sitters, especially in the powerplay. Not easy for the bowlers to control. The message was simple: just play the game you want to play. The goal was the same for both [Sai Sudharsan and Washington]... Lot of positives for us. Last two or three games didn't go our way, but credit to all the players - especially Sai; he was terrific. I think 210 was par on this pitch."
11.40pm It was a must-win match for both teams, and one of them now heads home. Chasing a total as massive as 229 in such a contest means there's pressure from ball one, not least when you have the class and accuracy of Jasprit Bumrah in the opposition. Some young GT fans are seen with tears in their eyes - that's how much it matters. At one stage, GT needed another 81 runs from 42 balls, and had as many as eight wickets standing. That is when Bumrah arrived, and reminded the world of his superpowers. That four-run over not only changed the game, but also swung the Eliminator around big time. As a result, MI will play PBKS in Qualifier 2, another knockout match ahead of the final.
Rashid
M Shahrukh Khan c Yadav b Ashwani Kumar 13 (10m 7b 0x4 1x6) SR: 185.71
Gleeson is leaving the field feeling his hamstring. Ashwani will complete the over.
Gleeson will bowl the final over... but he seems to be cramped. The physio has a word with him, and he's ready after a minute.
"That yorker he bowled to Washington Sundar, you just don't bowl a better ball than that"
Ashwani Kumar might not even have played the game, but he did, and bowled crucial overs to help Mumbai Indians eliminate Gujarat Titans from IPL 2025 and get into Qualifier 2
GT's fears - bowlers losing form, uncooked middle order - came true, with the addition of poor catching, in the IPL 2025 Eliminator against Mumbai
Prasidh Krishna ends his IPL 2025 with 25 wickets, at the top and four ahead of the next best among active players - Josh Hazlewood and Trent Boult
That total was built on the back of a blazing opening stand, while the rest of the batters ensured MI maintained their momentum through the innings