RCB vs MI IPL 2025: Bengaluru Stuns Mumbai in Thriller at Wankhede
By (pragyan regmi)
Setting the Stage for RCB's Batting Masterclass
The innings of RCB was evidence of their aggressive batting lineup. Opting to bat first, they capitalized on a Wankhede pitch described as a batsman’s paradise, with openers Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar laying a solid foundation. The duo’s explosive partnership of 78 runs in the power play set the tone, but it was their acceleration in the death overs that tilted the game in RCB’s favor.
Glenn Maxwell's brute power and Dinesh Karthik's finishing prowess fueled a sensational 38-run blitz in the 18th and 19th overs, which resulted in 52 runs in the final four overs. MI's hopes were further dented by Josh Hazlewood's late cameo, which saw him score 18 off 6 shots, putting RCB at a daunting 221/5. This score was RCB's highest against MI in IPL history, surpassing their 2022 record of 215/4.
MI’s Chase: Glimmers of Hope, Heartbreak in the End
MI needed a near-perfect performance to chase 222, and their batters showed intent early on. Ishan Kishan (38 off 22) and Captain Rohit Sharma (45 off 28) launched an aggressive assault, scoring 76 runs in the first six overs. However, in the middle overs, RCB's bowlers, led by Mohammed Siraj and Wanindu Hasaranga, fought back with crucial wickets. The MI all-rounder Krunal Pandya's three sixes off Harshal Patel in the 18th over to rekindle hopes marked the turning point. However, MI lost wickets in groups due to a combination of careless shots and tight bowling. Tim David had a strong 37, but MI lost at 209/9, giving RCB their first win over MI since 2023.
Key Performances: Stars of the Night
Rajat Patidar (RCB) With six fours and four sixes, led the innings with a blistering 68 off 34 balls.
Krunal Pandya (MI): His 18-ball 34 and a triple-strike in the final over (including two wickets) nearly turned the game.
Josh Hazlewood (RCB): Delivered a match-winning spell of 2/28, including the crucial wicket of Rohit Sharma.
The Wankhede's Pitch Debate:
Bowlers' Dread or Batsmen's Pleasure? Once more, the Wankhede pitch sparked discussion. While the MI batting coach thought it was too one-dimensional, the RCB coach thought it was a real battle between the bat and the ball. Data supports the trend: in IPL 2025, teams batting first at Wankhede have scored 190+ totals in six of eight games, with an average first-innings score of 187.
Historical Context: MI’s Dominance Ends
Historically, MI has dominated RCB, winning 19 of 33 encounters . Their last meeting in April 2024 saw MI clinch a seven-wicket victory . However, RCB’s win on April 7 broke a three-match losing streak against MI, proving their mettle in crunch situations .
What comes next for the two teams?
The loss raises questions regarding MI's middle-order consistency. In spite of Rohit and Ishan's fireworks, their inability to capitalize on starts has resulted in costly losses in two matches in a row. RCB, on the other hand, will be encouraged by this victory as they work to improve their chances of making the playoffs.
Fan Reactions and Viral Moments
The match trended globally on Twitter, with RCBvsMI and IPL2025 dominating hashtags. Memes mocking MI’s “choking” and applauding RCB’s death-over heroics flooded social media. Within hours, a video of Krunal Pandya's six-hit spree received over 2 million views.
A New Chapter in the Rivalry Between RCB and MI
The 12-run win by RCB was more than just a win; it was a statement. In a season where momentum shifts with every game, this match underscored RCB’s evolution from perennial underachievers to serious contenders. The pursuit of consistency for MI continues. As IPL 2025 heats up, one thing is clear: the RCB-MI rivalry remains one of cricket’s most electrifying spectacles.
Stats and highlights sourced from live match reports .
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