Mumbai Indians beat LSG in Eliminator | Source: Twitter
The 2nd Qualifier of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 will be played between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI) on Friday, May 26 at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
Team Previews
The idea that Mumbai Indians would reach the playoffs and participate in the qualifier of the IPL 2023 seemed far-fetched until recently. But then, they are Mumbai Indians, the five time champions, they have mastered the art of bouncing back stronger from setbacks.
Once again, they have defied all odds and secured a berth in the Qualifier 2, thanks to their emphatic 81-run victory over Lucknow Super Giants in the Eliminator match. Their focus now shifts to winning the Qualifier against Gujarat and securing a place in the final.
As for Gujarat Titans, their fortunes took a downturn at the most crucial stage of Qualifier 1, resulting in a 15-run defeat to Chennai Super Kings. It was the first time in two seasons that Gujarat Titans' batting lineup was completely dismantled while chasing any target.
Both these teams have crossed paths twice this season, with each team claiming a win each. Initially, Gujarat Titans secured a convincing 55-run win over Mumbai Indians, but Rohit Sharma & Co. retaliated in their second face off, defeating Gujarat Titans by 27 runs.
Match Details
Date and Time: 26 May, 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Live Streaming and Broadcast: Jio Cinema & Star Sports Network
Pitch Report
The pitch at Ahmedabad has proven to be a well-balanced surface, providing a fair contest between the batters and the bowlers. Pacers are likely to find early assistance from the pitch, while spinners will play a crucial role during the middle overs.
The average first innings total at this venue has been around 170 runs, and teams batting first have had the upper hand, winning the majority of matches. Hence, the team winning the toss should seriously consider batting first.
Predicted Playing XIs
Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Hardik Pandya (c), Dasun Shanaka, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Darshan Nalkande, Mohit Sharma, Noor Ahmad, Mohammed Shami
Mumbai Indians: Rohit Sharma (c), Ishan Kishan (wk), Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, Tim David, Tilak Varma, Chris Jordan, Hrithik Shokeen, Piyush Chawla, Jason Behrendorff, Akash Madhwal
Cricket Exchange Fantasy Tips
Wicket-Keeper: Wriddhiman Saha, Ishan Kishan
Batters: Shubman Gill, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Rohit Sharma
All-Rounders: Cameron Green
Bowlers: Piyush Chawla, Mohammed Shami, Rashid Khan, Akash Madhwal
Captain: Shubman Gill
Vice-Captain: Cameron Green
Prediction
Gujarat Titans are poised to hold an advantage over Mumbai Indians due to two significant factors. Firstly, their brilliant bowling line-up sets them apart. Secondly, their familiarity with the home conditions and surface gives them a strategic edge.
However, it would be unwise to completely overlook the Mumbai Indians, given their outstanding performances in the last few matches.
MI have the experience of dealing in pressure situations and is likely to triumph over the defending champs.
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