Gujarat Titans emerged victorious in the IPL 2023 Qualifier 2 where they defeated Mumbai Indians by 63 runs to enter the final. The match took place on 26 May at the Narendra Modi Stadium. With this, GT became the third team after CSK and MI to reach the final of IPL in two consecutive seasons.
IPL 2023 Qualifier 2: Gill’s Strome Blown Away MI
After winning the toss, the Mumbai Indians choose to bowl first. The decision did not go in favor of Mumbai Indians as GT posted a mammoth score of 233 for 7 in 20 overs. GT’s innings were about Shubman Gill as he scored his third IPL century this season. MI had a chance to take Gill’s wicket when he was on 30, but Tim David dropped the catch and then Gill’s storm started.
During his innings, he smashed 10 sixes and 7 fours. After losing the wicket of Saha for 50 runs, Gill partnered with Sai Sudarshan (43) and stitched a 142-run partnership that helped GT post 200 plus. Mumbai Indians bowlers didn’t seem to have a clue during GT’s innings as they were leaking runs.
IPL 2023 Qualifier 2: Mumbai’s Slow Start
MI started the chase but lost early wickets in the powerplay. Shami took the wickets of Rohit and Nehal and Mumbai’s score was 21 for 2. The openers again failed MI in the crucial match. After this Tilak Verma and Suryakumar Yadav took command and shared a partnership of more than 50 runs.
Tilak Verma scored 43 runs in only 14 balls, in which he hit 5 fours and 3 sixes. He laid the groundwork for the Mumbai Indians as MI made a solid comeback and scored 72 runs in the powerplay. Rashid Khan bowled Tilak Verma at the end of the powerplay.
Surya and Green Tried, but it wasn’t enough
Again, it was the turn of Surya Kumar Yadav who this season has helped Mumbai Indians successfully chase down any target. He and Green again shared a 50-plus partnership for Mumbai Indians but it was not enough. Joshua Little broke the Partnership and bowled Cameron Green (30). Surya (61) brought up his 5th half-century this season, but this time could not help MI chase down the score successfully.
IPL 2023 Qualifier 2: Mohit Sharma’s special
Mohit picked up the crucial wicket of Surya and then there was no looking back. He demolished Mumbai’s middle order and picked up 5 wickets, his best bowling figure this season. In his spell of 2.2 overs, he spent only 10 runs. MI was bowled out for 171 chasing a target of 233, courtesy of Mohit Sharma.
What’s next
The final of IPL 2023 will take place on May 28 at the Narendra Modi Stadium between GT and CSK. They had lost Qualifier 1 at the home ground of Chennai, but this time Chennai is coming at the home ground of Gujarat. Gujarat has won 4 out of 5 matches at home this season. It will be interesting to see whether Gujarat can lift their second IPL trophy in two consecutive seasons.
GT vs MI, IPL 2023 qualifier 2 Statistic
- Shubman Gill holds the orange cap now with 851 runs.
- Mohammad Shami holds the purple cap with 28 wickets.
- Surya scored 420 runs in 10 innings for Mumbai during the run chase this season.
- Mohit Sharma (14 wickets) has become the 5th highest wicket-taker in the death overs of the season.
- Mumbai Indians lost in playoffs for the first time since 2017.
Conclusion
IPL 2023 is towards its end as now only one game is left. GT reached the final after defeating MI in IPL 2023 Qualifier 2. We have seen many exciting matches so far and we hope that the upcoming one will be more of the same. Being the most successful franchise, CSK will aim to win its 5th IPL title. Rumors are rife that this could be the last IPL of MS Dhoni. Hence, fans are eagerly waiting to see Dhoni for one last time on the field.
At the other end, GT is aiming to win its second IPL title. If they win it, GT will become the third team to win the IPL title in two consecutive seasons after Chennai and Mumbai.
