Only two teams in TATA IPL history have won the title two times in a row. While one of those teams has already reached the summit clash, the other face us on Friday in Qualifier 2 of the TATA IPL 2023. Gujarat Titans, in a bid to join that exclusive list, will be taking on Mumbai Indians and the winner of this contest will take on the Chennai Super Kings on Sunday.

Our incredible run of form this season hit a little speedbreaker in Chennai, but we return home with hope to turn things around. So far in the tournament, we have faced Mumbai Indians twice, home and away, with the honours being shared. We picked up a 55-run victory when we hosted them and in the away clash, despite Rashid Khan’s scintillating all-round performance, we fell short by 27 runs. 

Our Titans have been in stellar form with the bat barring the last match, especially Shubman Gill, who is within touching distance of the Orange Cap for this edition. Rashid Khan and Mohammad Shami have accounted for over 50 wickets between themselves, while Noor Ahmad and Mohit Sharma have been equally pivotal in the bowling attack, especially in the middle overs. 

Peak into the opponent’s camp

Mumbai Indians registered a thumping win against Lucknow Super Giants in Chennai to book their berth in Qualifier 2. Their batting department has been in good form and in the last couple of matches, they have bowled well in the slog overs. There was good cricket on display when we faced them on two occasions this year and one can expect a good game of cricket. 

Titan to watch out for

Noor Ahmad has been one of our star bowlers this season, returning with crucial wickets in the middle overs whenever needed. On a spinner-friendly track in Chennai, he returned with an economical spell of one for 29 in four overs, dismissing the power-hitter Shivam Dube. In the TATA IPL 2023,  he has scalped 14 wickets at an economy under eight so far. Skipper Hardik will surely look towards him once again for a few tight overs in the middle phase. 

Key numbers

Mohammad Shami needs four wickets to complete 50 wickets for Gujarat Titans.

Vijay Shankar has scored 122 runs in the death overs this season at a terrific strike-rate of 260. 

Shubman Gill needs nine runs to surpass Faf du Plessis in the Orange Cap race. 

Match details

Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians, Qualifier 2
Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
7.30 PM