In a match that kept fans on the edge of their seats, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched a thrilling 12-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. The game, marked by intense competition and standout performances, saw RCB successfully defend a formidable total of 221/5.
Chasing a daunting 222 for victory, MI’s innings was revived by a spectacular 89-run partnership off just 34 balls between Tilak Varma (56 off 29 balls, including 4 fours and 4 sixes) and Hardik Pandya (42 off 15 balls, with 3 fours and 4 sixes). Despite their efforts, MI found themselves needing 41 runs from the last three overs. The pressure mounted as both Varma and Pandya fell in quick succession, leaving MI’s hopes hanging by a thread.
The turning point came in the final over, bowled by Krunal Pandya, who finished with impressive figures of 4/45. Krunal’s tight bowling and crucial wickets of Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, and Naman Dhir restricted MI to just six runs in the last over, sealing the win for RCB. This victory marked RCB’s third win of the season in four matches and their first at Wankhede Stadium since 2015.
MI’s struggle to close out games continued, as they had also lost by 12 runs in their previous match against Lucknow Super Giants. The only silver lining for MI was the return of their star bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, who bowled economically, finishing with figures of 0/29 in his four-over spell, including just 14 runs conceded in the last two overs.
Earlier in the match, RCB’s batting was led by a brilliant Virat Kohli, who scored 67 off 42 balls (8 fours and 2 sixes), achieving his 57th IPL half-century. He was well supported by skipper Rajat Patidar (64 off 32 balls, with 5 fours and 4 sixes), Devdutt Padikkal (37 off 22 balls, including 2 fours and 3 sixes), and Jitesh Sharma (40* off 19 balls, with 2 fours and 4 sixes), helping RCB post a challenging total.
RCB’s innings got off to a rocky start with Phil Salt being dismissed by Trent Boult (2/57) in the first over. However, a solid 91-run partnership off 52 balls between Kohli and Padikkal steadied the ship, putting pressure on the MI bowlers. RCB reached 73/1 in the Powerplay, setting the stage for a high-scoring affair.
The highlight of the innings was the fourth over, bowled by the returning Bumrah, where Kohli smashed a six off the first ball he faced from the pacer, setting the tone for his innings. Despite Bumrah’s efforts, RCB’s aggressive batting ensured they posted a total that proved just enough to secure the win.