Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) returned to winning ways as they defeated Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday, April 12.
Hardik Pandya won the toss in the much-awaited match and decided to field first. However, the bowlers failed to give success to the five-time champions with the new ball. Phil Salt returned in strong form and thrashed the Mumbai bowlers. Virat Kohli They also provided solid company as the right-handed pair scored 120 runs inside 11 overs.
After Salt's dismissal, Rajat Patidar promoted himself to No. 3 and scored a half-century in 17 balls. Kohli also helped him complete another half-century before being dismissed by Hardik in the 15th over. Patidar was also out in the next over, but Tim David did not let the momentum swing towards the home team. He scored 34 runs in 16 balls to help the visitors finish at 240/4.
In reply, Mumbai would have expected Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma to give them a fast start. He added 57 runs in 32 balls before Rohit left the field suffering from hamstring problem. Suyyash Sharma struck twice in the eighth over to send back Rickelton and Tilak Verma. Suryakumar tried hard but the pressure of chasing a huge score overpowered him and he was out after scoring 33 runs in 22 balls.
Hardik Pandya (40 off 22 balls) and Sherfane Rutherford (71*) Played their shots till the end but they only managed to delay the inevitable. Ultimately the defending champions won the match by 18 runs.
Key moments of Match 20 of IPL 2026:
Salt-Kohli partnership created a stir at Wankhede
Salt and Kohli brought back memories of last season as they made the opposition bowlers dance to their tune. While the former India captain was a little cautious, the England wicketkeeper showed no mercy. Salt, in his indomitable style, scored 78 runs in just 36 balls with the help of six fours and as many sixes. Their 120-run partnership laid the foundation for a huge first innings score, which proved to be a huge mountain for Mumbai. On the other hand, Kohli scored 50 runs in 38 balls with the help of five fours and one six.
Rohit Sharma went out of the field due to hamstring problem
This proved to be a crucial moment in the match. Rohit Sharma, who has been in tremendous form in IPL 2026, looked good scoring 19 runs in 13 balls. He hit a six and two fours during his brief stay at the crease. The opening partnership was firing on all cylinders but Rohit's hamstring problem was a major blow for the hosts. Had the former India skipper batted for a few more overs, he could have wreaked more havoc with Rickelton for company.
10:26 pm · April 12, 2026
Rajat Patidar played another captain's innings
Rajat Patidar is in his fifth season in the IPL and has played only four international matches in his career. However, he is showing courage and maturity beyond his experience. When Salt went in the 11th over, he could have easily sent Tim David to the middle. However, the Madhya Pradesh batsman showed confidence in his abilities and took the responsibility and landed in the middle with purpose. He did not stop anyone during his stay at the crease for 20 balls. After facing his first 11 balls, Patidar had already scored 44 runs. Ultimately he scored 53 runs in 20 balls, registering his second consecutive half-century.
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