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RCB vs MI Highlights: Power-Hitting Show and Last-Over Drama

RCB vs MI Highlights: Power-Hitting Show and Last-Over Drama

RCB vs MI Highlights: Power-Hitting Show and Last-Over Drama

In a high-octane clash at the iconic Wankhede Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) scripted a memorable 12-run win over Mumbai Indians (MI) in Match 20 of IPL 2025. This victory was particularly special for RCB as it marked their first win at Wankhede in nearly 10 years — a venue where they’ve often struggled. The game was a roller-coaster ride filled with explosive batting, disciplined bowling, and a nerve-wracking final over that had fans glued to their screens until the last ball.


RCB’s Commanding Batting Performance

After winning the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar chose to bat first, and the decision paid off handsomely. The team came out all guns blazing, determined to set a daunting target — and they did exactly that by piling up 221/5 in their 20 overs.

Virat Kohli, looking in vintage form, scored a masterful 67 off 42 balls. He was classy and clinical, finding the gaps with ease and punishing the bowlers whenever they erred. But the real game-changer was Rajat Patidar himself, who played a sensational innings, smashing 64 off just 34 deliveries. His fearless hitting in the middle overs helped accelerate the scoring rate and put MI’s bowlers on the back foot.

RCB’s batting depth was on full display, with cameos from Maxwell and Dinesh Karthik pushing the total beyond 220. For MI, Trent Boult and Hardik Pandya were the pick of the bowlers, claiming two wickets each, though they couldn’t stem the run flow.


MI’s Valiant Chase Falls Short

Facing a mammoth target of 222, Mumbai Indians needed a fiery start — and they got just that. Rohit Sharma looked aggressive from the get-go, but an early breakthrough by Josh Hazlewood saw him depart for 25. However, MI’s young gun Tilak Varma rose to the occasion once again, scoring a well-constructed half-century that kept the chase alive.

The real spark came from Hardik Pandya, who blasted 42 runs off just 15 balls, turning the match on its head during the 16th and 17th overs. With boundaries flowing and the required run rate narrowing, the momentum appeared to be shifting towards MI.

But just when it seemed like MI might pull off a sensational chase, RCB’s bowlers made a strong comeback.


Krunal Pandya’s Final Over Heroics

While RCB’s bowling attack was disciplined throughout, it was Krunal Pandya who delivered the knockout blows. The all-rounder picked up four crucial wickets, three of them in the final over, to break the back of MI’s chase. Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, and Naman Dhir all fell victim to Krunal’s variations and smart bowling under pressure.

Earlier in the innings, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hazlewood provided important breakthroughs in the powerplay, ensuring MI didn’t get off to a flyer. RCB’s fielding was also top-notch, with a couple of brilliant saves on the boundary that made the difference in such a close game.


Captain’s Take: Patidar Applauds Bowlers’ Grit

At the post-match presentation, Rajat Patidar was full of praise for his team, especially the bowlers. “We knew Wankhede is a tough ground to defend, but the way our bowlers held their nerves was exceptional. Krunal’s final over was a game-changer,” he said.

He also acknowledged the importance of this win in the context of the season, stating that it would serve as a major confidence booster going forward.


Points Table Update & What’s Next

With this thrilling win, RCB climbs to third position in the IPL 2025 points table, securing their third win in four matches. They are looking like strong playoff contenders this season, with both batting and bowling units clicking at the right time.

Meanwhile, the defeat leaves Mumbai Indians in a tough spot with just one win in five matches. The five-time champions have been inconsistent and will need to reassess their strategy if they want to stay in the playoff race.


Looking Ahead

This victory propels RCB to third place in the IPL 2025 standings, with three wins from four matches. Conversely, MI finds themselves in a challenging position, securing only one win in five outings. As the tournament progresses, both teams will aim to refine their strategies and bolster their performances.

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