Table of Contents

Mumbai Indians ended their long standing 14 year wait to win an opening IPL game, defeating Kolkata Knight Riders by six wickets in a high scoring encounter at the Wankhede Stadium.

Chasing a massive target of 221, Mumbai completed the job in 19.1 overs in front of their home crowd.

KKR post 220 after solid batting display from Ajinkya Rahane

After winning the toss, Mumbai Indians skipper Hardik Pandya opted to bowl first on a flat surface. KKR openers Ajinkya Rahane and Finn Allen gave their side a strong start with a 69 run opening partnership.

Rahane led from the front with a well compiled 67 off 40 balls while Allen provided quick runs with 37 from 17 deliveries. Angkrish Raghuvanshi then supported with a fluent 51 off 29 balls. Late contributions from Rinku Singh helped KKR finish at 220 for 4 in 20 overs.

For Mumbai Indians, Shardul Thakur was the standout bowler with 3 for 39, while Hardik Pandya picked up one wicket. However, the bowling unit overall struggled on a batting friendly wicket.

Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton dominate the chase

The hosts came out all guns blazing in reply. Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma produced a match defining 148 run partnership off just 71 balls, putting the chase firmly in control.

Rickelton scored a brilliant 81 off 43 balls but was run out in a bizzare fashion, while Rohit Sharma smashed 78 from 38 deliveries before getting out to Vaibhav Arora. Their aggressive intent ensured Mumbai stayed well ahead of the required rate throughout the innings.

Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with 16, and Hardik Pandya stayed unbeaten on 18 as Mumbai completed the chase with five balls remaining. Naman Dhir finished the game with a crsp boundary.

KKR bowlers fail to contain the flow

KKR bowlers had a tough outing, Varun Chakravarthy conceded 48 runs in his four overs, while the rest also went for plenty on a flat pitch. Vaibhav Arora, Kartik Tyagi and Sunil Narine chipped in with one wicket each.

KKR will be left disappointed with their inability to defend a strong total, as their bowling plans failed to restrict Mumbai’s top order. The performance highlights areas that need immediate improvement as they look to regroup in the upcoming matches.

MI vs KKR: Record fest for Rohit Sharma at Wankhede; joins Kohli, Warner in elite IPL list