Mumbai Indians (MI) got a thrilling win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium after a high-scoring encounter. Hardik Pandya’s team successfully chased the target of 221 runs and won the match with 6 wickets and 5 balls remaining. It was an important win for Mumbai Indians, as they were notorious for losing the opening match of their campaign since 2012.
After the match, MI captain Hardik Pandya attended the post-match presentation ceremony and for obvious reasons, he looked happy and confident. Pandya himself was at the crease when his team scored the winning run. But it was Shardul Thakur who changed the momentum of the match under immense pressure.
KKR registered a great score on the board
KKR, who came to bat first, scored 220 runs for 4 wickets in 20 overs. They could have scored even more runs, but experienced seam bowling all-rounder Shardul Thakur put a speed breaker in front of the batsmen of the opposing team. For the Knight Riders, their captain Ajinkya Rahane top-scored with 67 off 40 balls, and their emerging keeper-batsman Angkrish Raghuvanshi top-scored with 51 off 29 balls.
Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton were in great form against Kolkata Knight Riders.
Thanks to Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton, MI chased down the difficult target with ease. The opening pair laid the foundation for the team by scoring 148 runs before losing their first batsman. While Ryan Rickelton scored 81 off 43, Rohit Sharma scored 78 off 38. This was the sixth highest successful run chase in IPL.
Shardul Thakur was adjudged player of the match for his effective bowling. The fast bowler took the wickets of Ajinkya Rahane, Finn Allen and Cameron Green for 39 runs in his 4 over spell.
Most successful IPL run-chase
262 – PBKS vs KKR, Kolkata, 2024
246 – SRH vs PBKS, Hyderabad, 2025
228 – RCB vs LSG, Lucknow, 2025
224 – RR vs PBKS, Sharjah, 2020
224 – RR vs KKR, Kolkata, 2024
221 – MI vs KKR, Wankhede, 2026*
Hardik Pandya said in his statement that it was difficult for him to choose Ryan Rickelton as the opening partner for Rohit Sharma, because he also has another great opener in Quinton de Kock. The captain also claimed that he is happy to see Shardul Thakur playing in the Mumbai Indians jersey after changing several franchises in the past.
Hardik Pandya said, “It’s been a long wait. 13 years is a long time. Very happy, the whole team is very happy that we finally managed to do it. We’ve seen how this wicket plays. We knew the wicket was good. 220 is always achievable. Roe and Richelieu were brilliant.”
Hardik Pandya said after the match, “It’s great to see. Ryan has done really well for this franchise. Quincy (Quinton de Kock) understands that. (About Rohit) It’s a gift. (About Shardul Thakur) I told him that the franchises have a lot of expectations. He has a big heart, I’m very happy for him.”
Read More: IPL Points Table 2026: Updated Standings, Orange Cap, Purple Cap after MI vs KKR Match No. 2
