In the 12th consecutive season opener, Mumbai Indians faced a defeat, this time led by new captain Hardik Pandya. Gujarat Titans, captained by Shubman Gill, pulled off a remarkable comeback, securing a narrow 6-run victory against MI.
Despite Mumbai’s fiery pacer Jasprit Bumrah troubling Gujarat’s batsmen with precise yorkers, the Titans’ formidable batting lineup struggled. Only Sai Sudharsan’s resilient 45 posed any significant challenge to Mumbai’s bowling prowess. Gujarat Titans concluded their innings at 168/6 in 20 overs, setting the stage for Mumbai Indians’ chase.
A Great start to Gujarat’s innings:
However, a rapid beginning courtesy of Saha and Gill (scoring 31 runs off 22 balls with 3 fours and 1 six), followed by steady contributions from Azmatullah Omarzai and Sai Sudharsan in the middle order, along with a late surge from Rahul Tewatia (adding 22 runs off 15 balls with 2 fours and 1 six), ensured that GT remained competitive throughout the match.
Opting to bowl first after winning the toss, Mumbai Indians seemed to make a wise decision. Shubman Gill, leading for the first time in the IPL, exuded confidence on his home ground. Despite a strong start provided by Wriddhiman Saha and Shubman Gill, Mumbai’s bowlers staged a comeback, taking crucial wickets in quick succession.
What a memorable night for new Captain Shubman Gill who managed bowlers so well despite defending a low total against strong Mumbai Indians as his field setting and bowling rotation were superb, Still MI hasn't won at Ahemdabad against Gujarat Titans ❤️pic.twitter.com/2YanIraPtT
— Shubman Gang (@ShubmanGang) March 24, 2024
Umesh Yadav’s remarkable final over, claiming two vital wickets, propelled Gujarat Titans to a narrow 6-run victory. Despite Hardik Pandya’s valiant efforts, smashing Umesh Yadav for a six and a four, his dismissal at a critical moment sealed GT’s win. At one point, Gujarat Titans seemed poised for a below-par total, but late efforts from Tewatia, including a flurry of boundaries in the 18th over, ensured a competitive score.
A canine intruder briefly halted play in the 14th over, providing an unexpected moment of excitement. However, Tewatia’s aggressive batting, highlighted by a stunning diving catch from Naman Dhir, salvaged Gujarat’s innings, ultimately contributing to their victory.
Here is how fans reacted:
A game of ᴇʙʙꜱ & ꜰʟᴏᴡꜱ 🫡@gujarat_titans display quality death bowling to secure a remarkable 6️⃣ run win over #MI 👏@ShubmanGill's captaincy starts off with with a W
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) March 24, 2024
Scorecard ▶️https://t.co/oPSjdbb1YT #TATAIPL | #GTvMI pic.twitter.com/jTBxANlAtk
Congratulations gt
— The. Abhi_07 (@MSDianvk0718) March 24, 2024
For Gujarat Titans, it was the team and not the captain.
— Secular Chad (@SachabhartiyaRW) March 24, 2024
For Mumbai Indians, it was the captain and not the team. pic.twitter.com/xzUuNzVTuM
A special appreciation post for Azmatullah Omarzai, Sai Kishore, Mohit Sharma, Rashid khan, Spencer Johnson & Umesh Yadav 🔥
— Naji 𝕏 (@Naji_Gill_77) March 25, 2024
– Our Titans 💙#GujaratTitans | #IPL2024 pic.twitter.com/A9fU6wU0bS
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