Shubman Gill scored an unbeaten 129 off 59 balls as Gujarat Titans posted a mammoth 233/3 in their 20 overs against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Friday.
Gill, who was dropped on 17 by Ishan Kishan off Jasprit Bumrah, was in sublime touch as he hit 14 fours and three sixes. He shared a 158-run opening partnership with Wriddhiman Saha (55 off 37 balls), who also played a fine knock.
Hardik Pandya (24 off 12 balls) and David Miller (20 off 13 balls) also chipped in with useful contributions as Gujarat Titans posted a challenging total.
In reply, Mumbai Indians were bowled out for 195 in 19.4 overs. Rohit Sharma (48 off 32 balls) and Tilak Varma (40 off 27 balls) were the only batsmen to score half-centuries.
Rashid Khan was the pick of the bowlers for Gujarat Titans, taking 3 for 25. Mohammed Shami (2 for 34) and Yash Dayal (2 for 40) also took two wickets each.
With this win, Gujarat Titans have qualified for the final of the IPL 2023. They will face the winner of the Eliminator between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final on Sunday.
Gill’s knock was a masterclass in batting
Gill’s knock was a masterclass in batting. He was in control from the start and never looked in trouble. He played some exquisite shots, including a cover drive off Jasprit Bumrah that was simply sublime.
Gill’s knock was a major boost for Gujarat Titans. He has been in excellent form this season and has scored 491 runs in 13 matches at an average of 41.70. Gill’s knock will give Gujarat Titans a lot of confidence as they look to win their maiden IPL title.
Mumbai Indians’ batting let them down
Mumbai Indians’ batting let them down in their chase. They were never in the hunt after losing Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan early in the innings.
Rohit Sharma was dismissed by Mohammed Shami in the second over. Ishan Kishan was dropped on 17 by Wriddhiman Saha off Jasprit Bumrah, but he was dismissed by Yash Dayal in the next over.
Once Rohit Sharma and Ishan Kishan were dismissed, Mumbai Indians never recovered. Tilak Varma and David Miller tried to rebuild the innings, but they were both dismissed in the 17th over.
Mumbai Indians’ bowlers also failed to impress. They were unable to contain Gujarat Titans’ batsmen and conceded 233 runs in their 20 overs.
Gujarat Titans will face the winner of the Eliminator in the final
With this win, Gujarat Titans have qualified for the final of the IPL 2023. They will face the winner of the Eliminator between Lucknow Super Giants and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the final on Sunday.
Gujarat Titans will be confident of winning the final. They have been the most consistent team in the tournament and have a balanced squad.
