Mumbai Indians have presented the Gujarat Titans with a formidable task in the IPL Eliminator, posting a demanding total of 229—the second-highest ever in an IPL playoff match. This remarkable score followed a thrilling opening partnership and sustained middle-order momentum.
The innings was initiated by a fiery 84-run opening partnership from a new pair. Jonny Bairstow, stepping in for Ryan Rickelton due to international commitments, made a notable debut for his third IPL team, smashing 47 runs off 22 deliveries. Rohit Sharma capitalised on dropped chances early in the match to contribute a commendable 81 off 50 balls.
The momentum was maintained by Mumbai’s middle order, with Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya each striking three sixes. In total, MI hit 17 sixes, equalling the third-highest count in any innings in IPL 2025.
Choosing to bat first, Mumbai showed confidence despite a challenging pitch the day before where Punjab Kings stumbled to a mere 101. This time, the pitch offered even bounce, lacking the seam movement present in Qualifier 1. Gujarat Titans, however, missed opportunities to apply early pressure, dropping Rohit twice within the initial overs. Jonny Bairstow then capitalised, hammering 26 runs in the fourth over against Prasidh Krishna—though it’s worth noting two boundaries stemmed from edges.
Bairstow departed in the eighth over, but Rohit’s deft use of the sweep against spin became a highlight, especially as he accumulated 27 runs in this manner—a personal best using this shot in any IPL innings with recorded data. While his run rate slowed somewhat post half-century, accumulating 31 runs off his last 22 balls, his teammates ensured a relentless scoring pace. Hardik Pandya sealed the innings’ climax, blasting three sixes off Gerald Coetzee in the final over.
Karthik Krishnaswamy, Assistant Editor at ESPNcricinfo, provides these insights with a focus on Mumbai Indians’ cohesive batting performance.
