In one of the most dramatic finishes of IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bangalore edged past Mumbai Indians by 18 runs at Wankhede, as Krunal’s Dominance Sparks Joy with a stunning final over that saw him dismiss his brother Hardik’s side at the brink of victory.
Krunal’s Dominance Sparks Joy, Hardik Left Speechless in Pandya vs Pandya Duel
RCB won the toss and opted to bat first. Virat Kohli and Rajat Patidar laid the foundation with an 89-run stand, with Patidar hammering a 34-ball 62. Jitesh Sharma’s late hitting ensured RCB crossed 220, finishing on 221/5, but the story of the night was how Krunal’s Dominance Sparks Joy for LSG as they looked to chase it down.
MI’s reply got off to a nervy start. Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton couldn’t convert their starts, and Will Jacks fell quickly to Krunal a moment that truly reflected how Krunal’s Dominance Sparks Joy among the Lucknow camp. At 99/4, it looked like RCB would cruise to victory. But then came a brilliant stand between Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya.
The pair unleashed a brutal assault on RCB’s bowlers. In the 13th and 14th overs alone, they smashed 39 runs. Hardik struck three sixes and three fours in an electrifying cameo, while Tilak crafted a smart 56 off 29 balls. MI surged to 181/4, needing 41 from 18 balls.
Patidar turned to Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the 18th, and he delivered by removing Tilak. Hazlewood returned in the 19th and got the massive wicket of Hardik with a bouncer. The momentum swung once again.
Krunal Pandya was trusted with the final over, and he didn’t disappoint. He removed Santner with the first ball, then dismissed Chahar in the second. After a wide and a single, he got Dhir caught in the fifth delivery. MI managed just six runs in the over and ended on 203/9.
Cameras showed Hardik looking shattered after the match, having nearly pulled off a miracle. Krunal’s Dominance Sparks Joy as he, in his post-match chat, said, ‘It was tough, emotionally. But once I had the ball, I knew I had to stay focused. I’m proud of how we fought.
RCB’s first win at Wankhede in a decade came in one of the most emotionally charged IPL games ever. For MI, it was yet another loss and this one hurt the most.
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