Search
Close this search box.

Top Headlines

Mumbai Indians Secure First Win of IPL 2025, Crush Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede

PC - twitter/x
  • Match – 12
  • Venue -Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
The Wankhede Stadium witnessed a commanding performance from the Mumbai Indians (MI) as they registered their first victory of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, defeating the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by a convincing margin. In a match that showcased MI’s bowling prowess and batting composure, KKR were bundled out for a paltry 116 in 16.2 overs, a total that MI chased down with ease, finishing at 121 for 2 in just 12.5 overs. The seven-wicket triumph handed MI a much-needed boost after two consecutive losses, while KKR faced a reality check following their strong start to the season.

MI’s Bowling Masterclass Sets the Tone

MI captain Hardik Pandya won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that paid rich dividends as his bowlers dismantled KKR’s batting lineup. The star of the show was debutant left-arm pacer Ashwani Kumar, who made an unforgettable entry into the IPL by picking up 4 wickets for 24 runs in his three overs. Kumar struck with his very first ball, dismissing KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane, and went on to remove key players Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, and the dangerous Andre Russell. His dream debut made him the first Indian to claim a four-wicket haul on IPL debut, a testament to MI’s renowned talent-scouting system.
 
Supporting Kumar were seasoned campaigners Trent Boult and Deepak Chahar, who finally found their rhythm after a lackluster start to the season. Boult set the tone early by castling Sunil Narine with a searing yorker in the first over, while Chahar chipped in with 2 for 19, including the wickets of Quinton de Kock and Venkatesh Iyer. Mitchell Santner sealed KKR’s fate with the final blow, dismissing Ramandeep Singh for 22, as the visitors crumbled to 116 all out. Every MI bowler contributed at least one wicket, showcasing a collective effort that left KKR reeling at 45 for 5 after just seven overs.
 
KKR’s batting approach appeared disjointed on a sluggish Wankhede pitch that offered grip and variable bounce. Angkrish Raghuvanshi top-scored with a brisk 26 off 16 balls, but the lack of partnerships and reckless shot-making saw them fold quickly. Ramandeep Singh’s late cameo of 22 off 12, including two sixes, was the only resistance, but it was too little, too late.

MI Chase with Clinical Precision

Chasing a modest 117, MI’s batting lineup wasted no time in putting the game to bed. Openers Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton provided a steady start, with Sharma after being surprisingly used as an impact player in the match. The duo put on 30 runs before Rohit Sharma fell for 13, caught off Andre Russell.

Suryakumar Yadav (27 not out off 9) and Ryan Rickelton (62 not out off 41) then took charge, stitching together an unbroken 30-run partnership to guide MI home with 43 balls to spare. Yadav’s elegance and Ryan’s composure ensured there were no hiccups, as MI’s chase reflected their intent to turn their season around.

Key Moments and Standout Performances

  • Ashwani Kumar’s Dream Debut: The young pacer’s 4 for 24, including the scalps of Rahane and Russell, was the defining spell of the match, swinging momentum decisively in MI’s favor.
  • KKR’s Collapse: From 41 for 4 in the powerplay to 88 for 8 in 12.4 overs, KKR’s batting imploded under pressure.
  • Ryan Rickelton 62 runs innings

Captains’ Take

Hardik Pandya, relieved after the win, praised his bowlers and the team’s resilience. “We needed this one. The bowlers stepped up brilliantly, and Ashwani was outstanding on debut. The batters finished it off clinically. It’s a great way to kick off our home campaign,” he said at the post-match presentation.
 
Ajinkya Rahane, on the other hand, admitted KKR’s shortcomings. “We didn’t bat well enough. The pitch was tricky, but we lost too many wickets early. Credit to MI’s bowlers, especially Ashwani. We’ll look to bounce back,” he reflected.
 
The victory lifts MI off the bottom of the points table, injecting confidence into a side that had been under scrutiny after losses to Chennai Super Kings and Gujarat Titans. For KKR, the defeat ends a run of positive results, and they’ll need to regroup quickly ahead of their next clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 3 at Eden Gardens.
Click here for complete schedule for IPL 2025

Also Read:

Jasprit Bumrah : ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year 2024

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *