Hardik Pandya and Tilak Verma’s heroic goes in Vain as RCB beat MI after 10 years at Wankhede

Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma’s explosive knocks weren’t enough as RCB ended their 10-year winless streak at Wankhede, defeating MI in a high-scoring IPL 2025 thriller.

New Delhi: In a breathtaking contest at the IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by a narrow margin of 12 runs in a high-octane clash that saw fireworks from both sides. Batting first after losing the toss, RCB posted a formidable 221/5 in their 20 overs and then held off a late charge from MI to restrict them to 209/9.

RCB’s innings got off to a rocky start as Phil Salt was bowled by Trent Boult for 4 in just the second ball of the match. However, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal steadied the ship with a dazzling 91-run stand. Padikkal was aggressive, smashing 37 off 22 balls before falling to part-timer Vignesh Puthur. Kohli, in sublime touch, played a masterclass knock of 67 off 42 deliveries, anchoring the innings while keeping the scoreboard ticking.

Skipper Rajat Patidar took over the assault in the final overs with a blistering 64 off just 32 balls, hitting at a strike rate of 200. Though RCB lost Liam Livingstone for a duck, Jitesh Sharma’s unbeaten 40* and Tim David’s cameo pushed the total beyond 220.

MI’s chase had the perfect blend of intent and setbacks. Rohit Sharma was cleaned up by a stunning inswinger from Yash Dayal for 17, and Ryan Rickelton was trapped LBW by Hazlewood. Will Jacks and Suryakumar Yadav kept MI afloat before both fell in quick succession, leaving MI under pressure.

It was Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya who revived MI’s hopes. The duo combined for a 50-run stand in just 16 balls, with Hardik going berserk — smashing 42 off just 15 deliveries, including 4 sixes. Tilak, equally ferocious, brought up a half-century in just 29 balls before falling to a slower ball from Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Krunal Pandya turned the game with the ball, claiming 4 wickets, including the crucial scalps of Jacks, Dhir, Santner, and Chahar, derailing MI’s momentum in the final overs. Hazlewood and Yash Dayal kept their cool to seal the game in the death, despite some nervy moments.

In the end, MI fell 12 runs short as RCB executed their plans better in crunch situations, especially with the ball. It was a thrilling contest with standout performances from Kohli, Patidar, Tilak, and Hardik — but RCB took home the two points.