In a thrilling encounter at the Wankhede Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ended their nine-year drought at the iconic venue, clinching a nail-biting 12-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI). While Jasprit Bumrah’s return to the field after a three-month hiatus was a moment to cherish for Indian cricket fans, it wasn’t enough to save MI from their fourth defeat of the IPL season. Virat Kohli’s masterful 67 and Rajat Patidar’s explosive 64, coupled with a fiery cameo from Jitesh Sharma, powered RCB to a formidable total of 221/5. However, it was the bowlers who held their nerve in the face of a late onslaught from Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma to seal the win.
Kohli and Patidar Set the Stage on Fire
RCB’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Kohli, the ever-reliable anchor, struck eight fours and two sixes in his 42-ball 67, setting the tone for a dominant batting display. His 91-run partnership with Devdutt Padikkal (37 off 22) came at a blistering pace, spanning just 52 balls. Patidar, who smashed 64 off 32 deliveries, continued the onslaught, ensuring RCB maintained their momentum. Jitesh Sharma’s unbeaten 40 off 19 balls in the death overs added the finishing touches, as RCB posted a daunting total.
Hardik and Tilak’s Late Surge
MI’s chase seemed to be fizzling out at 99/4 after 12 overs, but Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma had other plans. The duo unleashed a breathtaking counter-attack, adding 89 runs in just 34 balls. Tilak, who was controversially retired out in the previous game, redeemed himself with a scintillating 56 off 29 balls, while Hardik’s 42 off 15 included some jaw-dropping strokes. Their partnership brought MI back into the game, reducing the equation to 52 off the last four overs.
RCB’s Bowlers Hold Their Nerve
Just when it seemed MI might pull off a miraculous win, RCB’s bowlers stepped up. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s 18th over proved decisive, as Tilak’s attempt to clear the ropes ended in the safe hands of Phil Salt. Hardik’s dismissal in the next over, caught at deep mid-wicket off Josh Hazlewood’s yorker, effectively sealed MI’s fate. Krunal Pandya’s three-wicket haul in the final over was the icing on the cake for RCB, who held their nerve to secure a hard-fought victory.
Bumrah’s Return and MI’s Struggles
Jasprit Bumrah’s return to the IPL was a silver lining for MI, but even his economical spell couldn’t turn the tide. Kohli welcomed him with a six over mid-wicket, and while Bumrah conceded just one more maximum in his four overs, MI’s new-ball bowlers Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar were taken to the cleaners, leaking 86 runs in six overs. MI’s inability to contain RCB’s batting firepower ultimately proved costly.
Brief scores: RCB 221/5 (Kohli 67, Patidar 64, Jitesh 40*, Hardik 2/45) beat MI 209/9 (Tilak 56, Hardik 42, Krunal 4/45) by 12 runs.
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