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Gujarat Titans pulled off a dramatic six-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in their opening match of the IPL 2024 season on Sunday night (March 25). Chasing a modest target of 169 runs, the Mumbai Indians initially looked poised for victory. Openers Rohit Sharma (43 runs) and Dewald Brevis (46 runs) laid a solid foundation, leaving them needing just 48 runs in the final six overs with seven wickets remaining. However, the Mumbai Indians' batting strategy unraveled in the death overs. Gujarat Titans' bowlers tightened their grip, taking six wickets and conceding only 11 runs in the last 24 deliveries. This incredible bowling display snatched victory away from Mumbai and secured a thrilling six-run win for Gujarat. This marked the team's first triumph under their new captain, Shubman Gill.
The loss extended Mumbai Indians' woes in IPL openers. Their last opening match win came way back in 2012 against the Chennai Super Kings.
Hardik Pandya reveals reason behind Mumbai Indians' loss
In his post-match interview with the broadcasters, Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya pinpointed the specific moment where the game swung in Gujarat Titans' favor.
“Obviously, we backed ourselves to chase those 42 runs but it was one of those days when we see the score quite less compared to what it could have been in five overs, I think we lost a little bit of momentum there,” Pandya said after the match.
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“It feels good to be back because this is one stadium where you can enjoy and feel the atmosphere quite lively and obviously the crowd was full and they got a good game as well. (On Tilak not taking the single vs Rashid) I think Tilak felt that that was a better idea at that point of time, I completely back him, not an issue, 13 games to go,” Hardik Pandya further added.
Despite the presence of dew, which usually favors spinners, GT's spin duo of Rashid Khan (0/23 in 4 overs) and R Sai Kishore (1/24) failed to provide breakthroughs. However, the tide turned with the introduction of veteran pacer Mohit Sharma (2/32). His clever use of variations in slower deliveries proved highly effective.
The victory was further solidified by brilliant death bowling from Spencer Johnson (2/25) and Umesh Yadav (2/32) in the 19th and 20th overs. This raises questions about the decision by Mumbai Indians captain Hardik Pandya to bat himself at number 7. Though he managed a six and a four in the final over, it wasn't enough. Ultimately, Umesh Yadav delivered the winning spell for Gujarat Titans.
Meanwhile GT skipper Shubman after the match said:
“The way the boys held their nerves with dew coming in, it was outstanding. The way our spinners bowled made sure we are always in the game. It's all about holding your nerves. He (Sai Sudharsan) has been a revelation for us. We just wanted to build on the pressure and wait for them to make mistakes. The crowd is one thing, have always come whether it is a day game or a night game and shout out to all the fans who have come here to support us. I thought that was a good score, but we definitely left at least 15 runs there, it was hard to hit those short balls as the wicket got a bit slow towards the end.”
While MI will next face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 27, GT will lock horns with Chennai Super Kings on March 26.
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