Defending champions Gujarat Titans (GT) and five-time winners Mumbai Indians (MI) will face off in the Indian Premier League 2023 (IPL 2023) Qualifier 2 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, on Friday (May 26). The winner of this match will then advance to the final on May 28 against four-time champs Chennai Super Kings in Ahmedabad.
Read More: Mumbai Indians send Lucknow Super Giants packing in IPL 2023 eliminator
The Titans have had a remarkable season, finishing at the top of the IPL 2023 points table. However, they suffered a loss to CSK in Qualifier 1 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. This was the first time they were beaten by the MS Dhoni-led team.
Mumbai, on the other hand, had a challenging start to the competition but managed to secure fourth position on the points table. In the IPL 2023 Eliminator played in Chennai, Rohit Sharma and his team came out on top against Lucknow Super Giants.
Read More: Dhoni’s CSK dismantle Gujarat Titans to reach IPL 2023 final
Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians preview
After a dominating performance against Lucknow Super Giants in the IPL 2023 Eliminator, Mumbai Indians will head to the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to take on Gujarat Titans in the quest for a spot in the finals. Defending champions GT suffered a defeat against Chennai Super Kings in Qualifier 1, highlighting the areas they need to work on. Meanwhile, Mumbai seem well-prepared and determined to secure their sixth IPL title.
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Akash Madhwal, despite playing only seven matches in the current season, has already showcased his skills in the lucrative league. The 29-year-old fast bowler delivered an outstanding performance with a five-wicket haul, displaying consistency. He will look to continue his impressive form.
In the batting department, the MI camp will rely on the likes of Suryakumar Yadav and Cameron Green, who are expected to make an impact. As for the Titans, Shubman Gill will once again carry the responsibility to deliver runs. However, the form of Hardik Pandya and Wriddhiman Saha raises concerns at the moment. In bowling, Mohammed Shami and Rashid Khan have been exceptional so far and can make the difference for GT.
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Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians match details
Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians, Qualifier 2, IPL 2023
Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
Date and time: Friday, May 26, 7:30 pm IST
GT vs MI pitch report
The pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium is typically conducive to batsmen, allowing them to dominate matches. Spinners might come into play during the middle overs, and a total of 180 or more runs would be considered favourable. With dew play a key factor in the later stages of the match, the team that wins the toss is likely to to bowl first.
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GT vs MI prediction
Going by their recent performances, Mumbai Indians have looked a formidable side and will put the Titans to the test. That said, the Rohit Sharma-led side will look to win the toss and bowl first. If they do, they are expected to win Qualifier 2. However, Gujarat Titans also have a strong batting lineup and chasing anything under 180 will not be too difficult, provided Hardik Pandya wins the toss and fields first.
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GT vs MI probable playing XIs
Gujarat Titans (GT):
Shubman Gill, Wriddhiman Saha (wk), Hardik Pandya (c), Vijay Shankar, David Miller, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Joshua Little, Mohit Sharma, Noor Ahmad, Mohammed Shami
Mumbai Indians (MI):
Ishan Kishan (wk), Rohit Sharma (c), Cameron Green, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Tim David, Chris Jordan, Hrithik Shokeen, Piyush Chawla, Jason Behrendorff, Akash Madhwal