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In a big cash it was the Royal Challengers Bengaluru who came out all guns blazing to stun Mumbai Indians by 12 runs in high-scoring Tata IPL 2025 encounter in jam- packed Wankhede, Mumbai.
MI skipper Hardik Pandya won the toss and opted to bowl first. RCB opener Phil Salt began in style with cracking four of Trent Boult. But in the second ball Boult who is a master intaking wickets early in power play produced a ripper to bowl Salt for 4 . Despite early loss, RCB batsmen did not let go the aggressive intent . Devdutt Padikkal led the fight back with a fine attacking 37 ( 22 balls , 2 fours, 3 sixes) he was positive in his intent.
On the other hand the imperious King Kohli Virat Kohli was in sublime touch and meant business with his aggressive shots and running between the wickets . He greeted Jasprit Bumrah on his comeback with a stunning six and displayed his array of breathtaking shots- pulls, drive and over the top shots. Kohli master class saw score 67 ( 42 balls, 8 fours, 2 sixes). Virat reached his fifty with a six. Stampining his class and authority
RCB Skipper Rajat Patidar soon joined the party and played captain’s knock and that rattled Mumbai Indians. Patidar enjoying the role as skipper blasted 64 ( 32 balls , 5 fours, 4 sixes) .Liam Livingstone made a poor shot selection to be dismissed without scoring .
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The RCB push for 200 plus total was fulfilled by a brilliant cameo by Jitesh Sharma . Jitesh remained unbeaten on 40 ( 19 balls , 2 fours, 4 sixes). Tim David was not out 1. RCB reaching an imposing total of 221/ 5 in their 20 overs. A total that would test the strong MI batting line-up .
MI bowling : Trent Boult after fine start gave away runs 2/ 57 ( 4 overs) , Deepak Chahar 0/ 29 ( 2 overs) , Jasprit Bumrah on a comeback 0/ 29 ( 4 overs) , Will Jacks 0/ 10( 1 over) , Mitchell Santner 0/ 40 ( 4 overs) , Hardik Pandya 2/ 45 ( 4 overs ) Vignesh Puthur 1/ 10 ( 1 over)
In reply MI began with openers Rohit Sharma ( impact player ) and Ryan Rickelton. Rohit who has been in poor form looked set to come out of the lean patch with two fours of Yash Dayal. But Dayal had the last laugh as he bowled Rohit for 17 with a ripper of a delivery with total at 21/ 1 in 1.4 overs Rohit Sharma’s agonising run in Tata IPL 2025 continues. Rickelton too did not last long out for ( 17) with MI total at 38/ 2 in 3. 4 overs.
Suryakumar Yadav played an unlike SKY innings before he was out for 28 ( 26 balls , 5 fours) . Retired out in the previous match due to slow batting Tilak Varma scored 56 ( 29 balls , 4 fours, 4 sixes) , Will Jacks ( 22) .
With chase becoming tough, MI Skipper Hardik Pandya led from the front with his attacking 42 ( 15 balls , 3 fours, 4 sixes). Hardik Blitz went in vain as he was out caught by Livingstone off Hazlewood . Hardik wicket dented MI hopes .
Hardik’s elder brother Krunal Pandya did the star turn for RCB . Bowling the final over needing 19, Krunal was spot on as he bagged three wickets of Naman Dhir ( 11), Mitchell Santner ( 8), Deepak Chahar ( 0) to seal the match for RCB. Trent Boult and Jasprit Bumrah remained not out as MI fell agonisingly close by 12 runs finishing at 209/ 9 in their 20 overs.
Clutch Mode, ft. Krunal Pandya 🫡
3️⃣ wickets. 1️⃣ Final Over. Defended 1️⃣9️⃣ runs ❤️
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/ArsodkwOfO#TATAIPL | #MIvRCB | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/cpzDvEp8K6
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 7, 2025
It was MI”s fourth loss in five matches . Only win so far for MI was against Kolkata Knight Riders. Clearly MI has a lot to worry moving ahead. Biggest worry though – form of Rohit Sharma
RCB bowling : Bhuvneshwar Kumar 1/ 48 ( 4 overs), Yash Dayal 2/ 46 ( 4 overs) , Josh Hazlewood 2/ 37 ( 4 overs) , Suyash Sharma 0/ 32 ( 4 overs) , Krunal Pandya impressive again 4/ 45 ( 4 overs)
Match: IPL 2025, 20th Match
Venue: Mumbai | Date: April 07, 2025
