How Rohit Sharma’s ‘luck’ powered Mumbai Indians into IPL Qualifier 2 | Cricket News

Rohit Sharma (picture credit score: BCCI/IPL)

NEW DELHI: Mumbai Indians held their nerve higher in a pressure-cooker Eliminator to outclass Gujarat Titans by 20 runs in a high-scoring IPL 2025 conflict on Friday. Rohit Sharma (81 off 50) capitalised on early probabilities to play a pivotal knock, whereas Jonny Bairstow (47 off 22) made an prompt impression on debut, powering MI to a commanding 228 for 5 of their 20 overs.After sealing a spot in Qualifier 2, Player of the Match Rohit Sharma expressed satisfaction in his aspect’s all-round effort.“I have got only four fifties. Would have loved to score more fifties. Good day for us as a team. I do understand the importance of playing this Eliminator and going through this and taking the next step forward. Really proud of a complete team effort,” Rohit mentioned on the post-match presentation.(*2*)id-r-component br” data-pos=”20″/>

“Somewhere down the road you bought to be fortunate and immediately was that day for me. I received fortunate as these catches have been dropped. But even after that you just received to play. I used to be focussing on holding the momentum and tempo going. Was a very good bowling effort. Jonny I’ve watched him through the years from the opposite aspect. We know the standard he has. Lot of expertise enjoying on this format. Never regarded like he was enjoying the primary recreation. We received the beginning and capitalized on it,” Rohit mentioned.Mumbai Indians will now face Punjab Kings in Qualifier 2 in Ahmedabad on Sunday. The winner will meet Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the IPL 2025 final on June 3.Gujarat Titans, despite being erratic in the field and with the ball, managed to stay in the hunt thanks to a masterful knock from Sai Sudharsan (80 off 49), but eventually fell short at 208 for six, bowing out of the tournament.Ultimately, it was Mumbai who won the crucial moments to stay alive in the playoffs. Despite the heavy dew, chasing down such a mammoth total in a knockout match demanded something extraordinary — and Sudharsan nearly delivered just that before his dismissal in the 16th over tilted the contest.Bumrah’s trademark yorker accounted for Washington Sundar (48 off 24), and Richard Gleeson struck the decisive blow by dismantling Sudharsan’s stumps when the left-hander missed a scoop, turning the tide in MI’s favour.

While he was at the crease, Sudharsan’s strokeplay was a sight to behold. In a match dominated by brute power, the elegant left-hander stood out, threading gaps with surgical precision and timing.With the equation down to 36 off 12 balls, and left-handers Rahul Tewatia and Sherfane Rutherford at the crease, MI debutant Gleeson was handed the final over with 24 runs needed. He held his nerve to deliver three clinical deliveries, effectively sealing the win before walking off with an apparent hamstring issue.