In a thrilling opening match of IPL 2024 in Ahmedabad, Gujarat Titans under the captaincy of Shubman Gill showcased exceptional death bowling skills to secure a narrow six-run victory over the formidable Mumbai Indians on Sunday. Despite Mumbai’s valiant efforts in chasing a target of 169, they fell short, managing only 162/9 in their allotted 20 overs, despite noteworthy performances from Rohit Sharma and Dewald Brevis, both scoring over 40 runs. Notably, this win also marks Shubman Gill’s maiden triumph as captain in the IPL, adding a significant milestone to his leadership journey.

Jasprit Bumrah makes a remarkable comeback

Jasprit Bumrah made a spectacular comeback to the Indian T20 League, leaving fans in awe with his stellar performance. In a nail-biting moment during the match, Bumrah delivered an impeccable yorker, aiming precisely at the off stump with great speed and a slight inward movement.

The batsman, Wriddhiman Saha, tried to defend the ball but missed it entirely. The result was electrifying as the ball crashed into the off stump, sending it flying. Bumrah couldn’t contain his excitement and jubilantly sprinted away in celebration.

Rohit Sharma shines but not able to bring the result

The experienced Indian captain, who recently relinquished his leadership role in the Mumbai Indians, started his IPL campaign with a bang. Rohit Sharma, the seasoned batsman, showcased his class by scoring a quick and fluent 43 runs, making the chase appear effortless.

However, Sharma’s innings took a turn when he attempted a sweep shot against R Sai Kishore on the very first ball of the 13th over and got dismissed. Unfortunately for Mumbai Indians, Sharma’s departure signaled a downward spiral for the team as they struggled to recover from the setback.

Mohit Sharma and Umesh Yadav steals the heart

In a surprising turn of events, Mohit Sharma took two wickets while giving away 32 runs against a formidable Mumbai Indians lineup. Umesh Yadav played a crucial role in the final overs, helping Gujarat Titans secure an unexpected victory in the last over of the match. Umesh successfully defended 19 runs, proving instrumental in the team’s win.

Mumbai Indians faced a setback as they lost four wickets in the final two overs of their chase. Tilak Varma, Gerald Coetzee, Hardik Pandya, and Piyush Chawla were the victims of the late onslaught. A special mention goes to Spencer Johnson, who made an impressive debut by bowling a superb 19th over.

Despite facing a tough challenge, Spencer managed to take two wickets while conceding just 8 runs. It was a remarkable performance, especially considering he had given away 17 runs in his first over of the innings. His resilience and skill in the face of pressure played a pivotal role in Gujarat Titans’ victory.

Shubman Gill and veteran Wriddhiman Saha started well when Gujarat Titans batted first against Mumbai Indians. They hit some good shots against the opening bowlers, Hardik Pandya and Azmatullah Omarzai. But then, Jasprit Bumrah took a couple of wickets and slowed them down. The pitch was tricky, and the batters found it hard to score freely against Bumrah, who is one of the best bowlers in T20 cricket.

See Also: IPL 2024: Most runs and Most wickets after Match 5, GT vs MI

Shubman Gill, Gujarat’s captain, acknowledged the challenge of dewy conditions but praised his team’s composure. He credited spinners Rashid Khan and Sai Kishore for their pivotal roles in managing the situation. Gill lauded Mohit Sharma as a game-changer, emphasizing his consistent performances. He also thanked the home crowd for their unwavering support in both day and night matches.

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 season has kicked off with a flurry of exciting matches, showcasing thrilling performances from both batsmen and bowlers. Let’s delve into the statistics of the top run-scorers and wicket-takers after the conclusion of match five.

Orange Cap Holder

In the ongoing IPL 2024 season, Rajasthan Royals’ captain, Sanju Samson, leads the batting charts with 82 runs after the conclusion of five matches. Following closely behind is Kolkata Knight Riders’ Andre Russell, securing the second spot with 64 runs. Nicholas Pooran from Lucknow Super Giants also holds the third position, with 64 runs.

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s star batter, Henrich Klaasen, claims the fourth spot with 63 runs. This is followed closely by Punjab Kings’ versatile all-rounder, Sam Curran, who stands in fifth position with the exact run tally.

Top 5 leading run-scorers in the IPL 2024:

1. Sanju Samson (RR) – 82 runs
2. Andre Russell (KKR) – 64 runs
3. Nicholas Pooran (LSG) – 64 runs
4. Henrich Klaasen (SRH) – 63 runs
5. Sam Curran (PBKS) – 63 runs

Puprle Cap Holder

On the bowling front, Chennai Super Kings’ left-arm pacer, Mustafizur Rahman, continues to dominate the wicket-takers list with an impressive tally of four scalps. Mumbai Indians’ ace speedster, Jasprit Bumrah, secures the second position with three wickets, courtesy of his stellar performance in MI’s inaugural season match.

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s T Natarajan and Kolkata Knight Riders’ Harshit Rana share the third spot with three wickets each. Delhi Capitals’ Kuldeep Yadav follows closely behind in the fifth position, having claimed two wickets at an excellent economy rate.

Top 5 leading wicket-takers in the IPL 2024:

1. Mustafizur Rahman (CSK) – 4 wickets
2. Jasprit Bumrah (MI) – 3 wickets
3. T Natarajan (SRH) – 3 wickets
4. Harshit Rana (KKR) – 3 wickets
5. Kuldeep Yadav (DC) – 2 wickets

Hardik Pandya’s return to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, this time as the captain of Mumbai Indians, stirred many emotions among fans and spectators, marked by anticipation, criticism, and drama.

After his trade from Gujarat Titans to Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024, Hardik Pandya’s homecoming to Ahmedabad marked a significant moment in his cricketing journey, as he stepped onto familiar turf with a new role and responsibilities.

See Also: IPL 2024: Key points of Rajasthan Royals’ win over Lucknow Super Giants

Mixed Reception: Boos and Cheers

The atmosphere at the Narendra Modi Stadium was charged with contrasting emotions as Pandya faced a chorus of boos from the crowd, juxtaposed with the warm reception accorded to Shubman Gill, his successor as Gujarat’s captain, highlighting the divided sentiments among the spectators.

Despite the unwelcoming response from the crowd, Pandya exhibited composure and professionalism during the toss ceremony, maintaining his focus on the game and proceeding with the proceedings in a dignified manner.

Boos on Pandya’s Bowling

The intensity of emotions surrounding Pandya’s return was further emphasized when the crowd erupted into another round of boos as Pandya took the ball to bowl. However, he initially failed to make an impact, conceding runs and facing criticism for his performance. Pandya started the MI attack himself, and his first over ended up going for 11 runs, which was a disappointing decision because MI had the best T20 bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, on the field, and skipper Hardik didn’t even look at him to open the bowling.

Dramatic Incident: Pandya’s Fielding Orders to Rohit Sharma

A dramatic incident unfolded on the field when Pandya, in his new role as Mumbai Indians’ captain, gave fielding orders to Rohit Sharma, the veteran cricketer and former team captain, sparking discussions and raising eyebrows among fans and pundits.

Rohit was there, and Hardik immediately told him to change his position. However, India’s all-format captain was not prepared for it, and in a gesture, he told, ‘who, me?’

And Hardik confirmed, which led Rohit to switch his place, setting the social media world on fire.

Criticism and Response

Despite his contributions to Gujarat Titans in IPL 2022, Pandya’s return to Ahmedabad was marred by criticism and scrutiny, particularly following the dramatic on-field incident, which fueled further debate and analysis in the cricketing fraternity.

Rohit Sharma’s Performance

Amidst the drama and scrutiny, Rohit Sharma’s performance on the field remained a focal point, with the seasoned batsman showcasing his skill and composure, steering Mumbai Indians’ chase with a commendable innings.

At the time of writing, while Mumbai chasing 169, have reached 112/3 after 13 overs. Rohit scored 43 runs off 29 deliveries.

The clash between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL 2024 marked an enthralling start to the season, with MI opting to bowl first under the captaincy of Hardik Pandya.

Hardik Pandya’s Captaincy Debut for MI

In his first match as captain, Hardik Pandya made an intriguing decision to bowl first after winning the toss, setting the tone for MI’s strategy in the game. Jasprit Bumrah’s bowling prowess was on full display as he significantly impacted the match, picking crucial wickets and applying pressure on the GT batting lineup.

See Also: IPL 2024: Rajasthan Royals beat Lucknow Super Giants by 20 runs

Jasprit Bumrah’s Mastery of Yorkers

Bumrah’s execution of the yorker against Wriddhiman Saha showcased his unparalleled skill and precision, reminiscent of his legendary yorkers in Test and T20 cricket. As Bumrah displayed his bowling brilliance, the camera captured Lasith Malinga, the ‘original’ Yorker master, applauding his protege, highlighting the passing of the torch from one pace spearhead to another.

Hardik started himself the first over ended up going for 11 runs. Surprisingly, he ended up coming back for the third over instead of handing the ball to Jasprit Bumrah after Luke Wood bowled the second and conceded nine. Bumrah then came in and got the first wicket for MI in the form of Wriddhiman Saha with his trademark yorker.

Most three wickets haul in IPL for MI
20 – Jasprit Bumrah
19 – Malinga

GT were then buoyed by some strong knocks from Sai Sudharsan, who scored 45 off 39 along with Azmatullah Omarzai and David Miller. Bumrah returned in the 17th over to dismiss Miller and Sudharsan. And showed his dominance in IPL. In his 4 overs of spell, he conceded just 14 runs and bagged 3 crucial wickets for MI.

MI’s Decision to Bowl First

MI’s decision to bowl first paid dividends as their bowlers, led by Bumrah, successfully restricted GT’s batting lineup and put them on the back foot early in the match. MI handed a debut to 24-year-old Naman Dhir, who showcased his talent and potential as he made his first appearance for the team in place of the injured Suryakumar Yadav.

The stage is set for an exhilarating encounter between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2024, and fervent supporters are already in full swing, echoing chants and anticipation at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

Anticipation for the Clash

The atmosphere outside the stadium is electric as fans clad in MI’s iconic blue jerseys flood the venue, generating a palpable sense of excitement and anticipation for the impending showdown.

New Captains, New Dynamics

Both teams enter the match with new leadership, as Hardik Pandya takes the reins for MI and Shubman Gill leads the charge for GT. This change in leadership adds an intriguing dynamic to the clash.

Rohit Sharma: The Center of Attention

Despite the shuffle in captaincy, all eyes remain fixated on Rohit Sharma, the legendary batter who has been synonymous with MI’s success for years. His presence adds an extra layer of excitement to the match.

Outside the stadium, the sea of blue signifies the unwavering support for MI, with fans showcasing their allegiance through flags, jerseys, and chants of “Rohit,” painting a vibrant picture of unity and passion. The history between MI and GT is rife with close encounters, adding to the stakes of the match as both teams vie for a victorious start to their IPL 2024 campaign.

The Titans’ Anticipation

GT’s recent victory over MI, with Shubman Gill’s stellar century, adds an extra layer of intrigue to the clash as both teams prepare to renew their rivalry on the field. The Titans’ camp pulsates with anticipation as they aim to replicate their previous success and establish dominance in the IPL 2024 season.

As the excitement reaches a crescendo, the stage is set for a thrilling showdown between MI and GT, with fans eagerly awaiting the spectacle unfolding on the cricketing field.

GT vs MI Match Preview

Hardik Pandya has taken over as MI captain, while Shubhman Gill to lead GT. The fourth IPL match between the two teams will be played on March 24, 2024, at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. Hardik Pandya has been a huge success as captain since taking over from Rohit Sharma against Ireland. Mumbai Indians will be hoping for a turnaround in their fortunes, with team at the helm. Hardik Pandya return can help them improve their middle order, which was inconsistent last year. The previous time these two teams met at this venue, MI won.

GT vs MI Match Details

Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians – 05th Match

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium – Ahmedabad

Date & Time: 24th March 2024 at 07:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Jio Cinema

GT vs MI Venue Stats

GT vs MI Pitch Report

The match will take place at Narendra Modi Stadium. And, while the average first innings score here is 165 runs, we believe a match-winning total should be higher than 195-210 runs on this small pitch.

GT vs MI Weather Report

The weather in Ahmedabad will be clear, with a high of 30 degrees Celsius on match day.

GT vs MI Last Five Matches

GT vs MI Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Most runs and Most wickets after Match 1, CSK vs RCB

GT vs MI Probable Playing XIs:

Gujarat Titans Probable Playing XIs

Shubman Gill (c), Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Sai Sudharsan, Vijay Shankar, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Shahrukh Khan, Rashid Khan, Spencer Johnson, Mohit Sharma, Umesh Yadav

Mumbai Indians Probable Playing XIs

Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan (wk), Suryakumar Yadav, N. Tilak Varma, Tim David, Hardik Pandya (c), Romario Shepherd, Gerald Coetzee, Jasprit Bumrah, Shreyas Gopal, Piyush Chawla.

Topmost Picks for GT vs MI Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Gujarat Titans

• Shubman Gill – The 23 year old right-handed skipper top scored for Gujarat Titans, the fourth time in the last five matches where he has hit the most runs for his side. 
• Mohit Sharma – Mohit Sharma has made a good comeback to the IPL. He has picked 19 wickets in 12 matches at an impressive strike rate of 12.2. He will be a crucial pacer for the GT side alongside Shami.

Top Picks – Mumbai Indians

• Suryakumar Yadav – He has scored 544 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 183.78. He remains the big wicket that the opposition are always desperate to take.
• Piyush Chawla – He is currently the leading wicket taker for the MI team last year with 21 wickets in 15 matches. Piyush Chawla will lead the spin attack and he has ability to take down the crucial wickets in the middle overs.

GT vs MI Probable Winners:

MI have the best batting line up in the IPL. Their bowling has been boosted by the return of Bumrah and the addition of Hardik Pandya. Importantly, in Hardik and Sharma, they have two men who know how to win the IPL trophy. However, given the home advantage, we expect GT to have a slight advantage entering this match, and thus they begin as favorites in our match prediction. Considering the team combination, Gujarat Titans is expected to win this match.

Qualifier 2, IPL: Gujarat Titans 233 for 3 (Gill 129, Sudharsan 43, Chawla 1-45) beat Mumbai Indians 171 (Suryakumar 61, Varma 43, Mohit 5-10) by 62 runs

In the second round of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023, Gujarat Titans (GT) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) in a high-stakes matchup at the Narendra Modi Stadium. Titans advanced to the final, where they will face Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 28. They won by a dominating 62 runs.

In the 20 overs they were given to bat, the Titans scored 233 runs while losing three wickets. In just 60 deliveries, Shubman Gill scored 129 runs, 7 of which were fours, and a staggering 10 of them were sixes. Sai Sudharsan provided Gill with assistance, scoring 43 runs off 31 deliveries. Commander Hardik Pandya’s quickfire 28 off 13 deliveries further impelled the Titans to their monumental total.

In quest for the perfect chase, Mumbai battled to pick up speed as their batting setup wavered, and were in the long run bowled out for 171 runs in 18.2 overs, missing the mark by 62 runs. Suryakumar Yadav persevered and scored 61 runs in 38 balls, while Cameron Green and Tilak Varma contributed 30 and 43 runs, respectively.

Mohit Sharma, who claimed an incredible five-wicket haul for just 10 runs in 2.2 overs, led the Titans’ bowlers in putting on an impressive performance. Rashid Khan and Mohammed Shami likewise made essential leap forwards, taking 2 wickets each, while Josh Little contributed with a wicket.

Here are a few twitter fans hyping Gujarat Titans for their noteworthy and excellent performance today:

GT vs MI Match Preview

Gujarat Titans will face Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 of the 2023 Indian Premier League on Friday evening at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The winner advances to the final against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, while the losing team is eliminated from the competition. Gujarat Titans never fully dominated Chennai Super Kings in Qualifier 1, and the game got away from them in the second innings. If they are to win, they must perform at their peak throughout the game. On Wednesday, the Mumbai Indians managed to post a competitive score before putting on a brilliant display with the ball and in the pitch. They are full of confidence and will remain so even when facing the 2022 Champions.

GT vs MI Match Details

Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians – Qualifier 2 Match

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium – Ahmedabad

Date & Time: 26th May 2023 at 07:30 PM IST 

Live Streaming: Jio Cinema

GT vs MI Venue Stats

GT vs MI Pitch Report

The average first innings score at Narendra Modi Stadium in the group stage was 187, and we anticipate a good batting wicket for Qualifier 2.

GT vs MI Weather Report

Clear skies are expected from the start to the end of the game. The temperature will not fall below 32 degrees, and the humidity will reach 60% or higher by the end of the game.

GT vs MI Last Five Matches

GT vs MI Head-to-Head Stats

Injury News

No Injury. Will be added when there is an update.

GT vs MI Probable Playing XIs:

Gujarat Titans Probable Playing XIs

Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya (c), Dasun Shanaka, David Miller, Vijay Shankar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Mohit Sharma, Noor Ahmad, Mohammed Shami

Mumbai Indians Probable Playing XIs

Ishan Kishan (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Chris Jordan, Piyush Chawla, Jason Behrendorff, Hrithik Shokeen, Akash Madhwal

Topmost Picks for GT vs MI Dream11 Prediction:

Top Picks – Gujarat Titans

• Shubman Gill – The 23 year old right-handed opener top-scored for Gujarat Titans on Tuesday, the fourth time in the last five matches that he has hit the most runs for his side. 
• Mohammed Shami – The pace bowler dismissed Devon Conway and Ravindra Jadeja in Qualifier 1 and is the leading wicket-taker in the tournament. 

Top Picks – Mumbai Indians

• Suryakumar Yadav – We saw 20 balls of ‘SKY’ on Wednesday including two fours and two sixes. He remains the big wicket that the opposition is always desperate to take.
• Akash Madhwal– The 29 year old right arm pace bowler produced an incredible spell of bowling on Wednesday and has now taken nine wickets from his last two games.

Suggested Playing XI N0.1 for GT vs MI Dream11 Team:

Wriddhiman Saha, Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Hardik Pandya(VC), Cameron Green(C), Rashid Khan, Jason Behrendorff, Mohit Sharma, Akash Madhwal

Suggested Playing XI N0.2 for GT vs MI Dream11 Team:

Wriddhiman Saha, Ishan Kishan, Shubman Gill(C), Vijay Shankar, Suryakumar Yadav(VC), Hardik Pandya, Cameron Green, Rashid Khan, Chris Jordan, Mohammed Shami, Akash Madhwal

Captain and Vice-Captain Options:

Captain – Cameron Green, Shubman Gill

Vice-captain – Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav

Wicketkeeper – Ishan Kishan

GT vs MI Probable Winners:

With only two games remaining in the 2023 IPL, all eyes will be on this match, with the winner earning a spot in Sunday’s final and a chance to win the title against Chennai Super Kings. We anticipate a close game between two teams that feature Indian and international superstars. Our prediction is that Gujarat Titans will win a high-scoring game, but with Mohammed Shami and Rashid Khan on their side. Considering the team combination, Gujarat Titans is expected to win this match.

A side that wins IPL Titles for fun takes on the Gujarat Titans. A win for Mumbai sets up another el-classico Final, while a win for Gujarat takes them to their second consecutive Final. Gujarat though, in their short time in the tournament will, for the first time likely, be feeling the heat of a knockout game. Ahead of them are the Mumbai Indians, who, like champion teams do, are finding heroes with each game. With a strong batting line-up taking on an exceptional bowling line-up, the penultimate game of the IPL promises to be a cracker.

GT vs MI Match Details

Date: May 26th, 2023

Time:  7:30 PM IST

Venue: Ahmedabad

GT vs MI Weather Report

A warm evening is expected at Ahmedabad

GT vs MI Report

With a fast outfield and a flat track, to go with the onset of dew, batting second will be a better option.

GT vs MI Head-to-Head

GT vs CSK Predicted Playing XII

GT Playing XI

Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha, Hardik Pandya, David Miller, Vijay Shankar, Abhinav Manohar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Alzarri Joseph, Mohit Sharma/Mohammad Shami, Noor Ahmed

MI Playing XI

Rohit Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Nehal Wadera/ Akash Madhwal, Tim David, Jason Behrendorff, Piyush Chawla, Chris Jordan

GT vs CSK Key Players

Rashid Khan

Rashid Khan was the only one to turn up against the Mumbai Indians as he put up one of the best performances in the tournament. He has found his rhythm with the bat, is already doing really well with the ball, and that gives Gujarat a lot more depth, which is their strength.

Akash Madhwal

From Engineering and tennis ball cricket to filling in for Jasprit Bumrah, Akash Madhwal has been a relavation this season. He has given Rohit Sharma so much relief with the bowling attack looking like a concern upfront in the season.

GT’s Top Five Batters This Season

MI’s Top Five Batters This Season

GT’s Top Five Bowlers This Season

MI’s Top Five Bowlers This Season

GT vs MI Match Tips

Gujarat are the better side on paper, but with Mumbai’s record in the playoffs the heat will be on as Mumbai come in favorites at Ahmedabad.

Match Prediction: Mumbai Indians Will Win the Match

35th Match, IPL: Gujarat Titans 207 for 6 (Gill 56, David Miller 46, Abhinav Manohar 42, Chawla 2-34) beat Mumbai Indians 152 for 9 (Wadhera 40, Green 33, Noor 3-37, Rashid 2-27) by 55 runs

The hosts steamrolled Mumbai Indians for their second consecutive loss on a hot and humid evening in Ahmedabad thanks to fireworks batted by Gujarat Titans in the final overs and five wickets shared by Afghan spinners Rashid Khan and Noor Ahmad. Titans jumped to second place with 10 points, equal to Chennai Super Kings, the table-toppers, after defending the big score of 207 for 6 comfortably.

With Jofra Archer out with an illness, Arjun Tendulkar not bowling in that phase, and Mumbai’s quicks leaking 70 runs in the final four overs, after conceding 65 runs in the same phase against Punjab Kings in their previous game, Mumbai’s death bowling came back into the spotlight.

Mumbai’s batting power faltered against Afghanistan’s spin duo, as only one of their top six crossed 25 and they were reduced to 59 for 5 in the 11th over after Shubman Gill’s fifty and a boundary-laden partnership of 71 off just 35 balls between Abhinav Manohar and David Miller for the fifth wicket. Mumbai lost by 55 runs after being reduced to 59 for 5.

Gill lays the platform

Tendulkar kept it tight with his inswing from the beginning that had Wriddhiman Saha gotten down leg and alongside Jason Behrendorff, he held Titans to 33 for 1 after five overs. With a powerful pull, a scythe through off, and a stunning lofted straight drive for six, Gill then kicked off his assault by milking Cameron Green for 17 in the final powerplay over to push the run rate past eight.

Mumbai welcomed on Piyush Chawla right away and Hardik Pandya holed out to long-off promptly for 13. However, Gill’s pace was unaffected by that. He penetrated Chawla through the covers for four and crushed Kumar Kartikeya to the leg side next over to arrive at a 30-ball fifty and lead Titans to 84 for 2 at the midway imprint.

The take off from Abhinav Manohar and Miller (and Tewatia)

At 103 for 4 after 13 overs, the innings could have gone either way after Gill and Vijay Shankar holed out to long-on against the spinners.

Manohar bravely confronted a meek Chawla and swung the balance in favor of Titans to the point where Mumbai never recovered. Chawla started the 15th over with two full deliveries as the field was spread out, and Manohar blasted both to the cover boundary. Manohar charged down and smoked a straight six on the fifth ball, making it a 17-run over—the same number of runs Chawla had conceded in his previous three innings.

After that, Manohar and Miller could not be stopped. With the assistance of Rahul Tewatia, the pair struck three consecutive sixes in the final three overs, giving Mumbai’s bowling plenty to consider before their next match. In the 18th over, Manohar used brute force to slam Green for the first of those runs, and Miller used golf swings to end Meredith’s last over. Manohar also holed out to long-off for 42 off 21.

Miller’s dismissal for 46 off 22 on the penultimate ball was hardly a consolation for Mumbai because by that time Titans had crossed 200. Tewatia swept his first ball for six before slamming two more off Behrendorff’s slower ones in the last over on the leg side to finish on 20 off 5.

Shami’s masterclass

The WTC final is still a month and a half away, however Mohammed Shami was so exact with his speed and swing right off the bat that Mumbai and India chief Rohit Sharma could have something to grin about. Perhaps not. Shami terminated in an endless flow of fast conveyances outside Ishan Kishan’s off stump and made him seem to be a deer trapped in the headlights, which implied Mumbai never took off in the pursuit. Kishan jabbed, punched and goaded at numerous such Shami conveyances to score eight off his 13 balls and crept to 10 off 17 toward the finish of the powerplay.

From the opposite end, Hardik terminated in deliveries around 140-145 kmh with outswing and took Rohit’s return get off a main edge for only 2, preceding likewise beating Green’s swings numerous multiple times in the powerplay that saw Mumbai battling on 29 for 1.

The Rashid and Noor strangle

Following the powerplay, the Titans unleashed the Afghan spinners together, and Rashid struck immediately. After catching Kishan off a heave on the leg side, he ended his agonizing run of 13 off 21, and with the help of a review, he trapped Impact Player Tilak Varma for 2 with three balls. Green had at this point gathered two sixes and hammered a third off Noor in the 10th over despite the fact that the asking rate crossed 14.

Then, in the eleventh over, Noor dealt him a double blow by rattling Green’s stumps and also caught the big-hitting Tim David off a full toss for a two-ball duck. At 59 for 5 after 11, Mumbai barely had any possibility of returning quickly.

Mumbai will be thrilled to uncover Punjabi 22-year-old Nehal Wadhera, another young batter, with the exception of a cameo appearance by Suryakumar Yadav. Even though the chase was almost over when he batted, Wadhera manipulated the field to find gaps, hit big sixes down the ground and on the leg side, and impressed with his temperament under pressure. Wadhera scored 40 off 21 balls, including three sixes and as many fours, as he and Suryakumar defeated Noor for 15 runs in the 13th over, even as Mumbai struggled in another big chase.