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| Source: RCB(X) |
Result: RCB won by 12 runs
Match Overview
In a high-octane clash at the Wankhede Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) edged past Mumbai Indians (MI) by 12 runs in a thriller that epitomized the chaos and brilliance of T20 cricket. RCB posted a mammoth 221/5, their second-highest total at the venue, thanks to Virat Kohli’s anchoring 67 (42) and Rajat Patidar’s blistering 64 (32). Mumbai Indians fought valiantly in the chase, with Hardik Pandya (42 off 15) and Tilak Varma (56 off 29) nearly pulling off a heist, but RCB’s bowlers, led by Krunal Pandya’s four-wicket haul, held their nerve in the death overs to seal the win.
The victory marked RCB’s first win at the Wankhede since 2015, breaking a six-match losing streak at the venue. For MI, the loss compounded their struggles, leaving them with just one win in five games this season.
First Innings: RCB’s Batting Masterclass
Powerplay Dominance (73/1 in 6 overs)
RCB’s innings began explosively despite an early setback. Trent Boult struck on the second ball, trapping Phil Salt (4) lbw with a booming inswinger. However, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal (37 off 22) counterattacked ruthlessly. Kohli, in sublime touch, welcomed Jasprit Bumrah with a six over midwicket, while Padikkal smashed three sixes off Deepak Chahar in a 20-run over. By the end of the powerplay, RCB had raced to 73/1, with Kohli (35* off 18) and Padikkal (32* off 15) setting the platform.
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| Source: RCB(X) |
Key Moments:
- Kohli’s Intent: Kohli targeted MI’s pace attack, striking at 194.44 in the powerplay. His six off Bumrah (over midwicket) set the tone.
- Padikkal’s Cameo: The left-hander’s 22-ball 37 included audacious scoops and pulls, notably dismantling Chahar’s third over (20 runs).
Middle-Overs Consolidation (112/2 at 10 overs)
Post-powerplay, MI’s spinners—Mitchell Santner and Vignesh Puthur—applied brakes. Santner’s tight lines restricted Kohli momentarily, while Puthur broke the 91-run stand by dismissing Padikkal (caught at long-on). Kohli, however, reached his 29-ball fifty with a slog-swept six off Santner, anchoring RCB to 112/2 at the halfway mark.
Turning Point: Patidar’s arrival injected urgency. After surviving a concussion scare (hit on the helmet by Hardik Pandya), he targeted Santner, smashing 20 runs in his final over, including two sixes.
Death Overs Carnage (109 runs in last 7 overs)
The final phase belonged to Patidar and Jitesh Sharma (40* off 19). Patidar’s 25-ball fifty, laced with four sixes, dismantled Hardik Pandya (23 runs in the 17th over). Jitesh Sharma’s late fireworks—highlighted by a hockey-sweep six off Trent Boult—propelled RCB past 220.
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| Source: RCB(X) |
Key Performers:
- Rajat Patidar: 64 off 32 (5 fours, 4 sixes) at a strike rate of 200.
- Jitesh Sharma: 40* off 19 (3 fours, 2 sixes), including an 83m six off Bumrah.
Source: RCB(X)
MI’s Bowling Struggles:
- Boult’s Off-Day: 0/42 in 3 overs, his most expensive IPL spell.
- Bumrah’s Control: 1/29 in 4 overs, the lone bowler to restrict RCB.
Second Innings: MI’s Valiant Chase Falls Short
Early Collapse (38/2 in 4 overs)
MI’s chase began disastrously. Yash Dayal (1/26) uprooted Rohit Sharma’s leg stump with a sharp inswinger, while Josh Hazlewood trapped Ryan Rickelton (17 off 10) lbw. At 38/2, MI’s hopes rested on Suryakumar Yadav (28 off 26) and Tilak Varma.
RCB’s Powerplay Dominance:
- Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar conceded just 39 runs in the first six overs while taking two wickets.
Tilak-Hardik Show (138/4 in 14 overs)
Tilak Varma (56 off 29) and Hardik Pandya (42 off 15) revived MI with a 50-run stand off just 17 balls. Tilak’s inventive strokeplay—reverse sweeps, slog-sweeps—and Hardik’s brute force (4 sixes) brought MI back into contention. The duo plundered 22 runs off Hazlewood’s third over, reducing the equation to 65 off 30 balls.
Key Moments:
- Tilak’s Fifty: A 24-ball fifty, his first of the season, included a flat six off Bhuvneshwar.
- Hardik’s Blitz: His 15-ball 42 featured three sixes off Krunal Pandya and came at a staggering strike rate of 280.
Death Overs Meltdown (209/9 in 20 overs)
The game turned in the 18th over when Krunal Pandya (4/45) dismissed Santner and Chahar off successive balls. With 28 needed off 12, Naman Dhir (11 off 6) threatened with a six, but Krunal’s four-wicket over (19th) sealed MI’s fate.
Turning Points:
- Krunal’s 19th Over: Wickets of Dhir, Chahar, and Boult derailed MI’s chase.
- Hazlewood’s Clutch Dismissal: Hardik’s mistimed pull to Livingstone at deep mid-wicket (18.1 overs).
MI’s Batting Analysis:
- Top Performer: Tilak Varma (56 off 29, 4 fours, 4 sixes).
- Most Fantasy Points: Hardik Pandya (42 off 15, SR 280) scored the most fantasy points in the match.
- Missed Opportunities: SKY’s scratchy 28 and dropped catches (twice off Krunal).
RCB’s Bowling Heroes:
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| Source: RCB(X) |
- Krunal Pandya: 4/45, including the game-changing 19th over.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar: 1/48, but his dismissal of Tilak (56) broke MI’s momentum.
Key Stats and Takeaways
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RCB’s Batting Firepower:
- 221/5: Second-highest total at Wankhede for RCB.
- 73 runs in powerplay: Highest for RCB this season.
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MI’s Death Bowling Woes:
- 109 runs conceded in last 7 overs.
- Boult’s economy: 14.00.
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Head-to-Head:
- RCB ended a six-match losing streak vs MI at Wankhede.
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Impact Player:
- Suyash Sharma (0/32) replaced Padikkal but struggled against MI’s power hitters.
Player of the Match: Rajat Patidar
Patidar’s 64 off 32 earned him the accolade. His fearless hitting against spin (20 runs off Santner’s over) and pace (23 off Hardik’s over) showcased his versatility.
Tactical Breakdown
RCB’s Strategy:
- Aggressive Powerplay: Kohli and Padikkal targeted MI’s pace duo (Boult/Chahar).
- Spin Counter: Patidar’s dominance over Santner (SR 250) neutralized MI’s spin threat.
- Death Bowling: Krunal’s variations and Hazlewood’s yorkers stifled MI’s chase.
MI’s Missteps:
- Boult’s Role: Underutilized in death overs despite Bumrah’s frugality.
- Middle-Order Collapse: From 157/4 to 209/9, losing 5 wickets for 52 runs.
Road Ahead
- RCB: Consolidate their top-four spot with improved away form.
- MI: Address powerplay batting and death bowling to revive playoff hopes.
Conclusion
In a match brimming with twists, RCB’s batting depth and Krunal Pandya’s heroics outshone MI’s late surge. While Kohli and Patidar laid the foundation, Jitesh Sharma’s finish and Krunal’s four-fer exemplified RCB’s all-round growth. For MI, Tilak Varma’s emergence as a finisher is a silver lining, but their bowling inconsistencies demand urgent fixes. As the IPL 2025 season progresses, this clash will be remembered for its relentless aggression and nail-biting finish.
Highest Strike Rate: Hardik Pandya (280)
Most Fantasy Points: Hardik Pandya
Player of the Match: Rajat Patidar
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