In one of the most exciting games of IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pulled off a memorable 12-run victory over the mighty Mumbai Indians. The match took place at the Wankhede Stadium—where RCB hadn’t won in over a decade. But this time, they flipped the script with smart spin bowling and calm batting under pressure.
Spin Bowling Turns the Tide
From the very beginning, RCB’s bowlers looked sharp. Yuzvendra Chahal, known for his clever spin in the middle overs, bowled tight lines and took two big wickets. One of them was Quinton de Kock, a dangerous striker. He finished with figures of 2 for 26 from four overs.
Supporting him was Washington Sundar, who bowled during the powerplay. He was incredibly economical, giving away just 12 runs in four overs. Together, they bowled 34 dot balls. That’s nearly six overs where Mumbai couldn’t score a single run—pure pressure.
Mumbai’s Batting Crumbles
Mumbai Indians are known for their strong batting lineup. But RCB’s spin attack made them look uncomfortable. Krunal Pandya and Kieron Pollard, who usually thrive against spin, couldn’t score freely. Rushed shots, mistimed hits, and rising pressure meant Mumbai could only post 149 runs—way below their usual best.
Krunal Pandya’s Heroic Last Over
While spinners set the tone, it was Krunal Pandya who closed the match with a bang. In a surprising move, captain Rajat Patidar saved Krunal’s over for the very end. It turned out to be a masterstroke. With Mumbai needing 19 runs from the last six balls, Krunal bowled a brilliant over and took three wickets—Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, and Naman Dhir. He ended with figures of 4-45 and became the unexpected hero of the night.
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Captain’s Trust Pays Off
After the match, Rajat Patidar praised Krunal for his brave bowling. He also spoke about the emotional side of playing against his brother, Hardik Pandya, who is now captain of Mumbai Indians. “Only one Pandya could win today,” Krunal joked after the game.
Patidar also played a key role with the bat. He scored 64 runs and built a solid partnership with Virat Kohli, who scored 67. Their efforts gave RCB the momentum they needed during the chase.
RCB’s Strategy Is Working
With this win, RCB earned two important points and boosted their confidence. The team looked balanced, focused, and full of energy. They used spin wisely and showed that smart strategy can beat even the strongest teams.
This win was more than just a victory. It showed that RCB is here to fight for the trophy this season. Their bowlers, especially the spinners, are delivering when it matters most.
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Wake-Up Call for Mumbai Indians
For Mumbai Indians, this loss was a big reminder that talent alone isn’t enough. They’ll need to come up with better ways to handle spin. Their top players must step up in key moments if they want to stay in the race for the playoffs.
Final Thoughts
RCB’s win over Mumbai was not just about runs and wickets. It was about smart planning, calm minds, and executing under pressure. Their spinners turned the game on its head. Their batters chased with ease. And their belief stayed strong.
As the IPL moves ahead, one thing is clear—RCB is not just playing, they are playing to win. And if their spinners keep doing what they did at Wankhede, this might finally be the season they go all the way.
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