The 20th match between the Mumbai Indians (MI) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) lit up the Wankhede Stadium, taking fans on a rollercoaster of action, adrenaline, and drama. When two of the league’s most popular clubs met, expectations were high, and the players delivered. Finally, RCB won by 12 runs in a thrilling finish that came down to the last over.
First Innings: RCB Set the Pace
After winning the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar chose to bat first and appeared confident in his team’s potential to score a reasonable total. The innings started carefully, with openers Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis laying a strong foundation. Kohli, in his finest form, played easily through the gaps and found boundaries at will..He hit a well-crafted 67 off 44 deliveries, demonstrating why he is still one of the league’s most feared batters. Lotus 365 is a well-known and trustworthy online betting platform that offers a diverse range of betting options across multiple sports and events. Rajat Patidar took charge of the middle overs after du Plessis was removed for 28. Patidar’s 64 off 38 balls included five sixes and some creative strokeplay, and his partnership with Kohli was critical in setting the tone.
Second Innings: Mumbai Indians’ Choppy Chase
The Mumbai Indians needed a good start to chase down a tough total of 222. They lost Ishan Kishan early to Mohammed Siraj’s superb inswinger. Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav held the innings together temporarily, but RCB’s bowlers, particularly Karn Sharma and Lockie Ferguson, kept the middle overs tight. Tilak Varma and Tim David attempted to preserve the innings with a quick 57-run partnership.. Tilak’s 42 off 28 balls looked good, and David added a blazing 35 off 17, pushing MI closer to their goal. With 19 runs required from the final over, Mumbai saw a glimmer of hope.
Enter Krunal Pandya—not usually the go-to death-over bowler, but this time he was given the task. Krunal struck three times in an exciting over that turned the direction of the contest, dismissing Mitchell Santner and Deepak Chahar on the first two balls before eliminating Naman Dhir to complete the deal. He finished with an incredible 4-45, giving RCB its first win at Wankhede in over a decade.
Krunal Pandya Steals the Spotlight
The final over will be remembered as one of the highlights of IPL 2025. Krunal Pandya, frequently overshadowed by his younger brother Hardik, demonstrated steely composure under pressure. With the match on the line, his variety and ability to read the batters were decisive.Speaking at the post-match presentation, Krunal said:
“The captain believed in me. I just backed my strengths. It was a big responsibility, but moments like these define you as a player.”
RCB captain Patidar was full of praise for Krunal:
“He was phenomenal. The way he held his nerve in that last over was commendable. It’s always great to have players like Krunal who rise in pressure moments.”
Jasprit Bumrah’s Return and MI’s Struggles
Head coach Mahela Jayawardene said:
“Bumrah looked sharp. It’s great to have him back. He was unlucky not to get wickets, but his presence boosts the entire bowling attack.”
Unfortunately, MI’s overall performance continues to disappoint this season. With just one win from five matches, pressure is mounting on Hardik Pandya’s leadership. Their batting inconsistencies and poor execution at the death are clear areas of concern.
Brother vs Brother: The Pandya Showdown
The conflict between brothers Hardik and Krunal Pandya acted as an emotional subplot throughout the game. While Hardik led MI, Krunal’s match-winning effort for RCB added a twist to the narrative. Despite their on-field battle, the two had a meaningful hug after the game, demonstrating sportsmanship and sibling love.
Looking Ahead: Road to Playoffs
With this victory, RCB climbs the points table, gaining momentum at a critical stage of the tournament. Their top order is firing, and their bowlers are delivering in crucial situations, propelling them into genuine playoff contention. As RCB and MI prepare for their remaining matchups, every game will be crucial in determining their playoff fate.Lotus 365 Login offers Sports ID with Faster withdrawal Within 2 Minutes.
Final Score Summary
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 221/5 (Kohli 67, Patidar 64, Maxwell 28)
- Mumbai Indians: 209/9 (Tilak 42, Tim David 35, Krunal Pandya 4-45)
- Result: RCB won by 12 runs
Stay in for more live updates, scores, and expert discussion as the IPL 2025 continues to captivate cricket fans across the world.
