The pitch at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur (New Chandigarh), was tailor-made for batting. The Eliminator match of the 2025 IPL was an absolute run-binge: 436 runs in 40 overs were scored by Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians. That said, the bowlers found it difficult to restrain the batters; however, one bowler rose above all others.
MI pace bowler had a stellar night, conceding a mere 27 runs in four overs and trudging off Washington Sundar who seemed all set to carry the match away from the five-time IPL champs. GT hit at 2 fours and 1 six while Bumrah was bowling. He then bowled a brilliant yorker to dismiss Sundar who had hammered 48 off 23 balls.
MI captain Hardik Pandya praised Bumrah, calling him an asset in himself and comparing him to the ever-increasing prices of Mumbai real estate. “It’s straightforward. Whenever the game seems to be slipping away, just bring him in. Having that option is a real advantage. It’s like housing prices in Mumbai – he’s that valuable.” Pandya also added that he kept an eye on the scoreboard to ensure the team was able to restrict the runs at the end with his bowlers.
Six bowlers delivered their full four overs, with Rashid following Bumrah for economy rate, after which Rohit Sharma was adjudged player of the match for his blitzkrieg 81 off 50 balls in setting up a total of 228/5. In reply, GT got to 208/6, thus MI went on to win by 20 runs and will confront Punjab Kings in the second qualifier on Sunday. The winner will meet Royal Challengers Bengaluru on June 3 for the final.
