In a high-stakes IPL 2025 clash at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) edged out Mumbai Indians (MI) by 12 runs, with Krunal Pandya’s decisive final-over performance overshadowing brother Hardik Pandya’s valiant effort. The much-anticipated contest, initially billed as a showdown between Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah, pivoted into a dramatic family duel as the Pandya brothers took center stage.
Chasing 222, MI’s hopes flickered when captain Hardik Pandya smashed 42 off 15 balls, including back-to-back sixes off Krunal, before falling in the 19th over. Tilak Varma’s 29-ball 56 kept the hosts in contention, but Krunal’s four-wicket haul—including a game-changing 19th over—sealed RCB’s first victory at Wankhede in a decade. Needing 19 off the final six deliveries, Krunal dismissed Mitchell Santner, Deepak Chahar, and Naman Dhir in quick succession, conceding just seven runs to crush MI’s late surge.
Early contender for the catch of the tournament?
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) April 7, 2025
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Post-match, Krunal acknowledged the emotional weight of defeating his brother: “The bond we have is natural, but only one Pandya could win today. I feel for him—he batted brilliantly, but experience helped me execute under pressure”. The brothers shared a heartfelt embrace after the game, with Hardik visibly distraught over MI’s fourth loss in five matches.
RCB captain Rajat Patidar earned praise for his leadership, with Krunal highlighting his “calm demeanor and clear game plans”. The win marked RCB’s third victory of the season, while MI languish near the bottom of the table