Mumbai Indians were dealt another blow in IPL 2025 as they failed to chase down 222 against Royal Challengers Bangalore in a high-octane thriller. Despite a stunning effort from Hardik Pandya and Tilak Varma, MI crumbled in the final over, which highlighted Krunal’s Stunning Brilliance with the ball.
Krunal’s Final Over Seals It as MI Suffer Wankhede Shock: Krunal’s Stunning Brilliance
RCB started aggressively with Virat Kohli (44) and Rajat Patidar (62) laying a solid foundation. Jitesh Sharma added late fireworks with 40 off 20 as RCB posted a daunting 221/5.
In response, MI’s top order once again faltered. Rohit and Rickelton scored 17 each before falling. Will Jacks was dismissed by Krunal Pandya. Suryakumar Yadav made 28 before Bhuvneshwar removed him just before the halfway mark. At 99/4, MI were in trouble.
Enter Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya. The duo completely shifted the momentum. Tilak struck a 29-ball 56 while Hardik blazed 42 off just 15 deliveries, hitting 3 sixes and 4 fours. MI reached 181/4 in 17 overs, needing 41 more.
But Bhuvneshwar’s smart slower ball dismissed Tilak in the 18th, and Hazlewood’s bouncer removed Hardik in the 19th. Still, with 19 needed off 6 balls and two hitters at the crease, MI had hope.
Then came Krunal’s Stunning Brilliance. He bowled Santner on the first ball, then got Chahar caught at the boundary on the second. After a single and a wide, he dismissed Naman Dhir on the fifth delivery, sealing the game. MI could only score 203/9.
As the dust settled, the image of a stunned Hardik Pandya on the bench said it all. The heartbreak was visible. Krunal’s Stunning Brilliance stood out in the emotional battle, as he reflected, saying, I feel for Hardik, he fought hard. But in the end, it’s about getting the job done.
RCB’s victory at Wankhede after a decade couldn’t have been more dramatic. For MI, the hunt for momentum in IPL 2025 continues.
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