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The 12th match of Indian Premier League 2025 season marks the first victory for Mumbai Indians (MI) in a commanding manner, humbling Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 8 wickets at Wankhede Stadium with a huge buzzing crowd. The match, which was characterized by an amazing fiery debut by left-arm bowler Ashwani Kumar, saw MI overcome KKR's paltry 116 in just 12.5 overs. This young new bowler led the MI keep their morale by contributing to hand them a victory after consecutive losses.
Mumbai Indians wisely decided to opt to bowl first after winning the toss contributed to their victory, MI's decision paid dividends as 23-year-old Ashwani Kumar scripted history. Ashwani Kumar, a Punjab-born bowler became the first Indian to claim a four-wicket haul on IPL debut (4/24), dismantling KKR's top order with precision. His victims included Andre Russell (5 off 11) and Manish Pandey (19 off 14), while KKR crumbled to 45/5 within seven overs. Captain Ajinkya Rahane (3 off 9) was dismissed by Ashwani’s first ball to make way for KKR's collapse. Only Angkrish Raghuvanshi (26 off 16) provided some resistance before he was sent back by Hardik Pandya (1/18).
In order to chase the target of 116, a South African batter Ryan Rickelton made it easy for MI by scoring unbeaten score of 62* off just 41 deliveries, hitting 7 fours and 3 sixes. Suryakumar Yadav, another explosive batter of MI scored 27* off just 9 deliveries and sealed their win with a trademark six, successfully chasing 116 in just 12.5 overs. The bowlers of KKR like Sunil Narine (0/32) and Andre Russel (1/22) struggled to stop the MI aggression.
Ashwani Kumar, player of the match stated that "By God's grace I am here and my native place in Mohali will be proud". He really made them proud by creating history at his debut IPL match.
Hardik Pandya, Captain of MI appreciated the scouts for identifying the late swing of Ashwani, calling the win a very satisfying.
Ajinkya Rahane, Captain of KKR, admitted that they collectively failed because of batting, and stated that there is need for partnerships.
MI shot up to sixth spot on the points table, while defending champions KKR slipped to the bottom. The match also witnessed all the 10 IPL franchises earning a win each in the 2025 season for the first time.
MI will face the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their next match on 4th of April, while KKR will face Sunrisers Hyderabad in their next match on the 3rd of April.
Mumbai Indians (MI) notched their first win in IPL 2025, routing Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by 8 wickets at Wankhede. Debutant Ashwani Kumar (4/24) tore through KKR, restricting them to 116. Ryan Rickelton (62*) and Suryakumar Yadav (27*) chased down the target in a record 12.5 overs. Ashwani was awarded Player of the Match, while the KKR batsmen collapse cost them dearly. MI's strong performance ended their losing streak.
