Mumbai Indians (MI) outclassed Gujarat Titans (GT) in a high-scoring IPL 2025 Eliminator by 20 runs at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur on Friday (May 30).

Opting to bat first, the five-time champions posted an imposing 228/5 on the board. Rohit Sharma capitalised on early chances to play a pivotal knock of 81 from 50 balls, while his opening partner Jonny Bairstow (47 off 22) made an instant impact on debut for MI.

After securing a spot in Qualifier 2, Rohit, who was adjudged Player-of-the-Match, expressed pride in his side's all-round effort.

"I have got only four fifties. Would have loved to score more fifties. Good day for us as a team. I do understand the importance of playing this Eliminator and going through this and taking the next step forward. Really proud of a complete team effort," Rohit said at the post-match presentation.

"When I play the game, I try to do my best keeping everything aside. Making sure how I can do the job for the team. I had to make the most of the luck. I am glad I could do that. Get the team into a good position. It was going to be challenging with the dew coming. The bowlers held their nerves really well,” he added.

Rohit Sharma has amassed 410 runs at strike rate of 150.18 in IPL 2025, including four half-centuries. His best score this season is 81.

Talking about his dropped chances in the knockout fixture, the former MI skipper said: “To be honest, I have played those shots before in the tournament and found fielders. Somewhere down the line you got to be lucky and today was that day for me. I got lucky as those catches were dropped.”

“But even after that you got to play. I was focussing on keeping the momentum and tempo going. Was a good bowling effort. Jonny I have watched him over the years from the other side. We know the quality he has. Lot of experience playing in this format. Never looked like he was playing the first game. We got the start and capitalized on it," he remarked.

Defending the total, MI restricted GT to 208/6 in 20 overs. Jasprit Bumrah was the stand-out bowler, returning with the figures of 1 for 27 in his four overs.

With this victory, Mumbai Indians set up a clash with Punjab Kings (RCB) in Qualifier 2 in Ahmedabad on June 1, with a place in the June 3 title clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) up for grabs.