Mumbai Indians (MI) finally opened their account for the IPL 2025 season with a commanding victory. They defeated defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by eight wickets at Wankhede Stadium on Monday. South African batter Ryan Rickelton played a match-winning knock, remaining unbeaten on 62 off 41 balls. As a result, MI comfortably chased down the target of 117 in just 12.5 overs.
Strong Start and Smooth Finish
After losing twice to KKR last season, MI came back stronger this time. Rickelton took charge with an aggressive approach, smashing four boundaries and five sixes.
At first, Rohit Sharma and Rickelton provided a solid foundation, building a 46-run opening stand in just 5.2 overs. However, Andre Russell broke the partnership by dismissing Sharma for 13.
Soon after, Will Jacks joined Rickelton at the crease, and together, they added 45 more runs. Just when KKR seemed to be regaining control, Russell struck again, sending Jacks back for 16.
Despite these setbacks, MI remained in control. Then, Suryakumar Yadav came in and played a blistering cameo, smashing 27 runs off just nine balls. Consequently, MI reached the target with ease, sealing an emphatic victory.
KKR’s Struggles Continue
On the other hand, Sunil Narine had a forgettable match. Not only did he get out for a duck, but he also struggled with the ball, conceding 32 runs in his three-over spell without taking a wicket.
Meanwhile, Russell was the only bowler who made an impact. However, he lacked support from the rest of the attack. As a result, MI chased the target without facing much resistance. With this win, Mumbai reasserted their dominance over KKR and sent a strong message to their competitors.
Ashwani Kumar’s Dream Debut
Earlier in the match, Mumbai’s debutant pacer Ashwani Kumar made an instant impact. He picked up four crucial wickets, helping MI bowl out KKR for just 116 in the 12th match of the IPL.
Right from the start, KKR struggled. First, Trent Boult removed Sunil Narine for a duck in the opening over. Then, in the very next over, Deepak Chahar dismissed Quinton de Kock for just one run.
After that, KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane and young batter Angkrish Raghuvanshi attempted to stabilize the innings. However, Ashwani Kumar struck on his very first ball, removing Rahane for 11. Soon after, Chahar dismissed Venkatesh Iyer for 3 in the final over of the powerplay.
KKR Lose Momentum Quickly
As the innings progressed, KKR continued to lose wickets at regular intervals. First, Hardik Pandya dismissed Raghuvanshi for 26 in the seventh over. Then, Ashwani Kumar returned and took two more wickets in his second over. He first removed Rinku Singh for 17 and then bowled out Manish Pandey for 19.
Furthermore, Ashwani continued his impressive spell by taking his fourth wicket, dismissing Russell for just 5. Shortly after, Vignesh Puthur sent Harshit Rana back for 4.
Towards the end, Ramandeep Singh fought hard, smashing two sixes and a four. However, his resistance was short-lived as Mitchell Santner dismissed him for 22. Ultimately, Raghuvanshi finished as KKR’s top scorer.
Mumbai’s Bowlers Dominate
Overall, MI’s bowling attack was exceptional. Ashwani Kumar (4/24) led from the front, while Deepak Chahar (2/19) and Trent Boult (1/23) provided crucial support. Their combined effort ensured KKR never gained momentum.
Brief Scores
Kolkata Knight Riders: 116 (Angkrish Raghuvanshi 26, Ramandeep Singh 22; Ashwani Kumar 4/24)
Mumbai Indians: 121/2 (Ryan Rickelton 62*, Suryakumar Yadav 27*; Andre Russell 2/35)