Mumbai Indians (MI) secured a commanding 8-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Match 12 of IPL 2025 at Wankhede Stadium. A brilliant bowling display, led by debutant Ashwani Kumar’s four-wicket haul, restricted KKR to just 116 runs in 16.2 overs. In response, MI chased down the target comfortably in just 12.5 overs, powered by Ryan Rickelton’s unbeaten 62.
KKR’s Batting Collapse: Ashwani Kumar Wrecks Havoc
After winning the toss, MI skipper Hardik Pandya opted to bowl first, and the decision paid off immediately. Trent Boult set the tone by dismissing Sunil Narine for a duck in the very first over. Wickets kept tumbling as Ashwani Kumar, playing his debut IPL match, ripped through KKR’s batting lineup, finishing with impressive figures of 4/24 in 3 overs.
KKR’s top-order crumbled under pressure, with Quinton de Kock (1), Ajinkya Rahane (11), and Venkatesh Iyer (3) falling cheaply. Angkrish Raghuvanshi (26 off 16) and Ramandeep Singh (22 off 12) showed some fight, but their efforts weren’t enough. Deepak Chahar (2/19) and Hardik Pandya (1/10) supported Ashwani Kumar well, ensuring KKR folded for 116 in just 16.2 overs.
Ryan Rickelton, Suryakumar Yadav Seal the Chase for MI
Chasing a modest target of 117, MI got off to a steady start despite losing Will Jacks early for 16. However, Ryan Rickelton anchored the innings with an unbeaten 62 off 41 balls, playing with great composure. Suryakumar Yadav, making his return, finished the match in style with a blistering 27* off just 9 balls.
For KKR, Andre Russell (2/35) was the only bowler to make an impact, dismissing both Will Jacks and Tilak Varma. However, MI’s aggressive approach meant the chase was wrapped up with 43 balls to spare, ending at 121/2 in 12.5 overs.
Ashwani Kumar’s Dream Debut
The standout performer of the match was undoubtedly Ashwani Kumar. Making his IPL debut, he delivered a spellbinding performance, taking 4 wickets and dismantling KKR’s batting order. His spell included the crucial dismissals of Ajinkya Rahane, Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, and Andre Russell, earning him the Player of the Match award.
What’s Next?
With this emphatic win, Mumbai Indians registered their first victory of IPL 2025, bouncing back strongly. KKR, on the other hand, will need to regroup quickly and address their batting woes as they head into their next fixture.
Match Summary:
- KKR: 116 all out (16.2 overs)
- Angkrish Raghuvanshi – 26 (16)
- Ramandeep Singh – 22 (12)
- Ashwani Kumar – 4/24 (3), Deepak Chahar – 2/19 (2)
- MI: 121/2 (12.5 overs)
- Ryan Rickelton – 62* (41)
- Suryakumar Yadav – 27* (9)
- Andre Russell – 2/35 (2.5)
Key Highlights:
- Ashwani Kumar’s stunning debut: 4/24 in 3 overs
- Ryan Rickelton’s match-winning knock: 62* off 41 balls
- Mumbai’s dominant chase: Victory with 43 balls remaining
Mumbai Indians’ comprehensive victory has sent a strong message to the rest of the teams, while KKR will need to bounce back quickly in their upcoming matches.
