'Hey playoffs we are coming' - Fans react as MI survives Rashid Khan storm to defeat GT by 27 runs in IPL 2023

Suryakumar Yadav & Rashid Khan (Source: Twitter)

Rashid Khan's all-round heroics went in vain as Mumbai Indians (MI) defeated Gujarat Titans (GT) by 27 runs in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday, May 12. Suryakumar Yadav lit up the show for the hosts once again with his maiden IPL century, helping his side post a mammoth total of 218 in the first innings. But his 360° show was overshadowed by Rashid Khan's four-wicket haul and a stunning half-century.

Earlier, GT won the toss and sent MI to bat first on a surface that historically favours the chasing side. The MI skipper did not disappoint this time, as he and Ishan Kishan provided a solid start for their team, smashing 61 runs in the powerplay. Rashid Khan put the brakes on the MI scoring by dismissing both the openers in the seventh over.

However, it opened the gate for the world No.1 T20 batter who made a mockery of the GT bowlers by hitting boundaries all over the ground. Rashid picked up his third wicket by dismissing Nehal Wadhera, but SKY and Vishnu Vinod continued the onslaught as they put on a 60+ partnership.

MI were 164-5 in the 17th over, and SKY's knock skyrocketed since then, resulting in MI scoring 54 runs in the final three overs. The 32-year-old was under-fire for his poor performance in the initial games of IPL 2023, but after the halfway stage of the tournament, he regained his rhythm and today he completed a 49-ball century in the final ball of the innings.

In reply, GT top-orders failed to get off to good start, losing three wickets inside the powerplay. Vijay Shankar and David Miller found resistance but veteran bowler Piyush Chawla got rid off the former in the seventh over. The South African battter continued the attack at one end but none of the other batter could support him and was eventually dismissed for 41 off 26 balls.

Miller and Rahul Tewatia were removed from the crease in the 12th and 13th overs, respectively, and the game should have ended there. But it was just the beginning of Rashid show, who hit a 21-ball fifty and remained unbeaten on 79 off 32 balls. Although his valiant effort did not help GT cross the finish line, it narrowed the margin of defeat.

Here's how fans reacted to MI's win: 

Rashid must be MoM

Amazing job with bat ball and fielding

— Sachination.. (@vikramuda) May 12, 2023

Mumbai always know for comeback 💪

Never ever count us out !!

— Logan (@Loganwx11) May 12, 2023

The man the myth the legend pic.twitter.com/SNHkv2ij95

— Sanket (@SanketS64861430) May 12, 2023

One partnership and GT would've won. Crazy batting from Rashid🥵

— Patel Full Toss Academy. (@rohancric947) May 12, 2023

Rashid literally fu*ked us real bad 😭😭😭

— Juilius Sneezer (@itsmewhocares11) May 12, 2023

Rashid trashed chumbai

— Jhonny jhonny yes papa (@Naveenb135) May 12, 2023

Hey playoffs we are coming 🗡⚔️.

Get ready!!

— ENGINEERING (@AppuRO45) May 12, 2023

We are coming for top2. Be scared johns be very scared🥶

— Bharat (@savageunclown45) May 12, 2023

Rashid and sky

Won the hearts of millions ❤️❤️

Two goats of world cricket 😎

— HemantRajSharma (@raj_sharma24104) May 12, 2023

Mi vs CSK final liading once more

— 𝔾𝔸𝕌ℝ𝔸𝕍 (@a_gaurav19) May 12, 2023

Rashid Khan will end up as the Greatest T20 Cricketer of all time if he plays the next 14-15 years he has with the same fitness. (he's 24/25 btw

— 𝓹𓃵 (@cricloverPrayas) May 12, 2023

Bhai Ye Rashid Khan kon hai?

Batsman, baller , fielder

Matlab ye kya balaa hai

— Aditya Rajput (@Adityarajput24) May 12, 2023