Mumbai, April 12, 2026 RCB Vs MI: The defending champions are back. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a statement performance at the Wankhede Stadium, defeating the Mumbai Indians (MI) by 18 runs in a high-octane encounter that saw over 460 runs scored.
The Salt-Kohli Foundation
After being put into bat by MI captain Hardik Pandya, RCB’s openers dismantled the home side’s attack from the first ball. Phil Salt played the role of the aggressor, smashing 78 off 36 balls (6 fours, 6 sixes), including three consecutive sixes against Mitchell Santner.
At the other end, Virat Kohli registered his 65th IPL half-century, anchoring the innings with a composed 50 off 38. Their 120-run opening partnership set the stage for a record-breaking total.
Patidar’s Power-Hitting Masterclass
Following the openers, skipper Rajat Patidar unleashed absolute carnage. Patidar reached his fifty in just 17 balls, finishing with 53 off 20 deliveries at a staggering strike rate of 265.00. A late cameo from Tim David (34 off 16)* against his former franchise propelled RCB to 240/4, their highest-ever score against Mumbai Indians.
MI’s Chase: The Rohit Sharma Blow
Mumbai’s chase of 241 began with a major setback. Former captain Rohit Sharma was forced to retire hurt on 19 due to a right hamstring injury. While Ryan Rickelton (37) and Hardik Pandya (40) kept the required rate within reach, a “six-drought” in the middle overs proved fatal.
RCB’s Suyash Sharma was the game-changer with the ball, removing Tilak Varma and Rickelton in a single over to break the back of the chase.
Rutherford’s Late Firework Show
Impact substitute Sherfane Rutherford provided a glimmer of hope, smashing an incredible 71 off 31 balls* with 9 towering sixes. Despite his late-innings heroics, the target of 241 proved too steep. MI finished on 222/5, slumping to their third consecutive defeat.
Match Summary & Scorecard
- RCB: 240/4 (20 overs) | Phil Salt 78(36), Rajat Patidar 53(20)
- MI: 222/5 (20 overs) | Sherfane Rutherford 71*(31), Hardik Pandya 40(22)
- Result: RCB won by 18 runs.
- Player of the Match: Phil Salt (RCB)
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