RCB edge Mumbai Indians in IPL 2026 final-ball thriller at Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium
In a dramatic contest in Raipur, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated the Mumbai Indians by two wickets, with Pandya battling severe cramps to anchor a chase before Kumar hit the winning shot.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have secured a narrow two-wicket victory over Mumbai Indians in a tense IPL 2026 encounter at the Rajiv Gandhi International Cricket Stadium in Raipur. The match concluded with a last-ball thriller, as the home side chased down a target of 167 to claim the win.
The contest was defined by the resilience of Krunal Pandya, who scored a fighting 73 off 46 balls to rescue his team from a precarious 39/3. Pandya described the pitch as difficult for big hitting, noting that the conditions required patience and traditional cricketing shots rather than power play. Despite suffering from severe cramping that affected his calf, glutes, and back throughout his innings, he managed to build crucial partnerships with Jacob Bethell and Jitesh Sharma.
Pandya admitted that he does not usually bat for such a long duration and that he was physically unable to finish the game due to the pain. "I was cramping a lot. It started from calf, went to glutes and went to my back," he stated post-match. He acknowledged that while he wanted to complete the innings, the shot played by Bhuvneshwar Kumar on the final delivery was the decisive moment of the match.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar sealed the victory with a crucial six on the final ball, ending the chase with two wickets in hand. The innings highlighted the demanding nature of the venue, where bowlers were able to restrict the run rate despite the aggressive intent of the chasing side.
In the post-match proceedings, an emotional Pandya paid tribute to former Mumbai Indians teammate Kieron Pollard. Reflecting on their six-year tenure together, Pandya described Pollard as his "big brother" and the "GOAT of this format". He quoted Pollard's sentiment that "you can't keep a good man down", a sentiment that resonated given the context of their shared history with the franchise.
The victory marks a significant moment for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, showcasing their ability to navigate high-pressure situations in the IPL 2026 season. The match served as a testament to the team's depth and the individual grit required to succeed on challenging surfaces in Raipur.
