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Gujarat Titans beats Mumbai Indians by 36 runs

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  • Match – 09
  • Venue – Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad witnessed a gripping IPL 2025 clash between the Gujarat Titans (GT) and the Mumbai Indians (MI) in Match 9 of the season. With both teams desperate to secure their first win after opening losses, GT emerged victorious by 36 runs in a contest that showcased stellar batting, disciplined bowling, and a dramatic finish. The match, played under lights starting at 7:30 PM IST, lived up to its billing as a high-octane battle between two IPL heavyweights.

Gujarat Titans Set a Challenging Total

Mumbai Indians’ captain Hardik Pandya, returning after missing the season opener due to a suspension, won the toss and elected to bowl first, hoping to exploit any early assistance from the pitch. Gujarat Titans, led by Shubman Gill, responded with a robust batting performance, posting 196/8 in their 20 overs.
 
The innings began with an assured 78-run opening stand between Sai Sudharsan and Gill. Sudharsan, continuing his fine form, played a composed knock of 63 off 41 balls, blending elegance with timely aggression (4 fours, 2 sixes). Gill contributed a brisk 38 off 27 before Pandya dismissed him, breaking the partnership. Jos Buttler, the explosive Englishman, then took charge, smashing 39 off 24, including a flurry of boundaries, before falling to Mujeeb Ur Rahman.
 
GT seemed poised to breach 200, but MI staged a late fightback. Pandya, leading from the front, bowled a game-changing spell (4-0-29-2), removing Gill and Shahrukh Khan (9 off 7), while also effecting a stunning run-out of Rahul Tewatia (9). Trent Boult’s pinpoint yorker dismissed Sudharsan in the 18th over, triggering a mini-collapse—three wickets fell in three balls across two overs. Despite late cameos from Sherfane Rutherford (18 off 11) and Rashid Khan (6 off 2), GT finished at 196/8, a total that felt par but defendable on a pitch that offered some grip.

Mumbai Indians’ Chase Falters Under Pressure

Chasing 197, Mumbai Indians needed a solid start from their star-studded batting lineup, but GT’s bowlers had other plans. Mohammed Siraj struck early, removing Rohit Sharma (8 off 4) and Ryan Rickelton (6 off 9) inside the powerplay, leaving MI reeling at 48/2 after 6 overs. Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma steadied the ship with a 62-run stand, raising hopes of a comeback. Varma scored a patient 39 off 36, while Yadav’s 48 off 28 showcased his trademark flair, including a six over fine leg.
 
However, just as MI seemed to gain momentum, Prasidh Krishna turned the tide. Introduced in the 11th over, he dismissed Varma—caught by Tewatia at long-on—and later ended Yadav’s resistance in the 16th over, with Gill taking a sharp catch. Krishna’s spell (4-0-18-2) was a masterclass in pressure bowling. Hardik Pandya, facing his former team, struggled to find rhythm, managing just 11 off 17 before Kagiso Rabada had him caught at short third-man. Robin Minz, brought in as an Impact Substitute, fell cheaply for 3 off 6, undone by R Sai Kishore.
 
With 56 needed off the last 9 balls, the chase was all but over. Mitchell Santner (14* off 8, including a six) and Naman Dhir (10* off 7) offered late resistance, but GT’s bowlers held firm. Rabada and Siraj closed out the game, restricting MI to 160/6, sealing a comprehensive 36-run victory.

Key Moments and Performances

  • Sai Sudharsan’s Anchor Role: His 63 provided GT with a platform, blending caution with aggression to perfection.
  • Hardik Pandya’s Bowling Heroics: Despite the loss, Pandya’s 2/29 and a run-out highlighted his all-round value for MI.
  • Prasidh Krishna’s Game-Changing Spell: His wickets of Varma and Yadav shifted the momentum decisively.
  • GT’s Death Bowling: Conceding just 42 runs in the last 5 overs of MI’s chase showcased their composure under pressure.

What’s Next?

The Ahmedabad pitch, typically a batting paradise, offered some assistance to bowlers as the game progressed. Early swing troubled MI’s openers, while spinners found grip in the middle overs. With minimal dew due to the dry conditions (temperatures dropping to the mid-20s), GT’s bowlers executed their plans effectively, making 197 a formidable target.
 
For Gujarat Titans, this win marks a strong recovery after their 11-run loss to Punjab Kings. Shubman Gill’s leadership and the team’s bowling depth will boost their confidence as they aim to build momentum. Mumbai Indians, now 0-2 after a four-wicket defeat to Chennai Super Kings, face early questions about their batting cohesion and bowling strategy. Pandya’s return adds balance, but MI need their big guns—Rohit, Suryakumar, and Pandya himself—to fire collectively.
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