Chandigarh: In a high-pressure Eliminator at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans (GT) are set to battle Hardik Pandya’s Mumbai Indians (MI) on Friday evening. With a place in Qualifier 2 on the line, both teams enter the knockout stage with different journeys but equal hunger.

What’s at stake?

The winner will progress to Qualifier 2 and face Punjab Kings, who were handed a crushing eight-wicket defeat by Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1. The team that emerges victorious from Qualifier 2 will face RCB in the final on Tuesday, June 3, at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

Gujarat Titans: Eyeing third straight final:

Gujarat Titans, one of the most consistent franchises since their IPL debut in 2022, finished third in the points table with 9 wins from 14 matches. They are no strangers to high-stakes games, having reached the finals in both 2022 and 2023. A win tonight would set them up for a third consecutive final appearance, further solidifying their status as IPL’s new powerhouse.

Led by the composed and in-form Shubman Gill, and supported by a pace attack spearheaded by Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj, GT will aim to maintain their edge in knockout scenarios.

Mumbai Indians: Champions with a point to prove

Mumbai Indians, the five-time IPL champions, have had a rollercoaster of a season but managed to sneak into the playoffs by finishing fourth with 8 wins.

A win for Mumbai would push them one step closer to a record-extending sixth title. Much will depend on the form of the players, their batting linchpin, and the lethal pace duo of Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult. If they can deliver in crunch moments, MI’s vast knockout experience could tilt the game in their favour.