By exploreodisha.in 
In the 12th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, Mumbai Indians (MI) secured a commanding eight-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium. This win marked MI’s first of the season, significantly boosting their position in the points table.
First Innings: KKR’s Struggles with the Bat
After winning the toss, MI captain Hardik Pandya elected to bowl first, a decision that paid immediate dividends. Trent Boult set the tone by dismissing Sunil Narine for a duck in the opening over, rattling the middle stump with a precise delivery. Deepak Chahar complemented this effort by removing Quinton de Kock in the subsequent over, leaving KKR reeling early in their innings.
Debutant Ashwani Kumar then made a sensational entry into the IPL, claiming a wicket with his very first ball by dismissing KKR skipper Ajinkya Rahane. Ashwani’s impact didn’t stop there; he went on to take the wickets of Rinku Singh, Manish Pandey, and Andre Russell, finishing with impressive figures of 4/24 in his three-over spell. This performance was instrumental in bundling out KKR for a modest 116 runs in 16.2 overs.
Second Innings: MI’s Comfortable Chase
Chasing a target of 117, MI’s opening pair of Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma provided a solid foundation with a 46-run partnership. Rohit was dismissed for 13 by Andre Russell, but Rickelton continued his aggressive play. He remained unbeaten, scoring 62 off 41 balls, an innings that included five sixes and four boundaries. Suryakumar Yadav added a quickfire 27 off nine balls, ensuring MI reached the target comfortably in just 12.5 overs, finishing at 121/2.
Key Performances and Records
- Ashwani Kumar’s Debut Delight: Ashwani’s 4/24 not only played a pivotal role in MI’s victory but also etched his name in the records as he became the first Indian bowler to take four wickets on IPL debut.
- Ryan Rickelton’s Match-Winning Knock: Rickelton’s unbeaten 62 provided stability and aggression at the top of the order, guiding MI to a comfortable win.
This emphatic win propelled MI from the bottom of the standings to the sixth position, showcasing their potential as strong contenders in the tournament. Conversely, KKR’s defeat pushed them to the bottom of the table, highlighting areas needing improvement as the season progresses.