The qualifier 2 match of IPL 2023 Playoffs between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium on Friday, 26th May promises to be an exciting contest. Gujarat finished on the first position in the points table, while Mumbai finished on the fourth position in the league stage of IPL 2023.
GT, led by Hardik Pandya, have won ten and lost our matches in the league stages, while MI, captained by Rohit Sharma have won eight and lost six matches in their campaign. In their last match at the playoffs stage, Gujarat Titans faced defeat against Chennai Super Kings by 15 run, while Mumbai Indians emerged victorious in their last match at the playoffs stage against Lucknow Super Giants by 81 runs.
Two highly skilled teams are set to collide in what promises to be an exciting match. In their previous encounters in the history of the IPL, these two teams have clashed three times, with Gujarat Titans emerging victorious in two matches and Mumbai Indians winning one match.
Also Read: Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians: Who Will Win Qualifier 2 Match in IPL 2023?
Here are three player battles to watch out for during GT vs MI qualifier 2 match:
1) Suryakumar Yadav vs Rashid Khan
Stopping Suryakumar Yadav’s explosive form will be a challenge for GT. He recently smashed a century in his last outing. Rashid Khan, GT’s leg-spinner, could be unleashed against him. However, Rashid is yet to dismiss SKY in the IPL, despite his reputation as a wicket-taker.
2) Rohit Sharma vs Mohammed Shami
The clash between Rohit Sharma and Mohammed Shami is set to kickstart the game in both batting and bowling departments. Shami holds an advantage in their previous encounters, having dismissed Rohit twice in IPL matches. Rohit’s strike rate against Shami is relatively low at 118.51, and he has managed only eight runs off six balls this season.
3) Hardik Pandya vs Akash Madhwal
GT captain Hardik Pandya is struggling for runs this season. He has only reached double figures once in his last four innings and has fallen to pacers six times in IPL 2023. MI’s rising star Akash Madhwal could target Hardik in the middle overs, considering his recent success with the ball.