New Delhi: In a breathtaking contest at the IPL 2025 Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Mumbai Indians (MI) by a narrow margin of 12 runs in a high-octane clash that saw fireworks from both sides. Batting first after losing the toss RCB posted a formidable 221/5 in their 20 overs and then held off a late charge from MI to restrict them to 209/9. RCBs innings got off to a rocky start as Phil Salt was bowled by Trent Boult for 4 in just the second ball of the match. However Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal steadied the ship with a dazzling 91-run stand. Padikkal was aggressive smashing 37 off 22 balls before falling to part-timer Vignesh Puthur. Kohli in sublime touch played a masterclass knock of 67 off 42 deliveries anchoring the innings while keeping the scoreboard ticking. Skipper Rajat Patidar took over the assault in the final overs with a blistering 64 off just 32 balls hitting at a strike rate of 200. Though RCB lost Liam Livingstone for a duck Jitesh Sharma’s unbeaten 40* and Tim Davids cameo pushed the total beyond 220. MI’s chase had the perfect blend of intent and setbacks. Rohit Sharma was cleaned up by a stunning inswinger from Yash Dayal for 17 and Ryan Rickelton was trapped LBW by Hazlewood. Will Jacks and Suryakumar Yadav kept MI afloat before both fell in quick succession leaving MI under pressure. It was Tilak Varma and Hardik Pandya who revived MIs hopes. The duo combined for a 50-run stand in just 16 balls with Hardik going berserk — smashing 42 off just 15 deliveries including 4 sixes. Tilak equally ferocious brought up a half-century in just 29 balls before falling to a slower ball from Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Krunal Pandya turned the game with the ball claiming 4 wickets including the crucial scalps of Jacks Dhir Santner and Chahar derailing MI’s momentum in the final overs. Hazlewood and Yash Dayal kept their cool to seal the game in the death despite some nervy moments. In the end MI fell 12 runs short as RCB executed their plans better in crunch situations especially with the ball. It was a thrilling contest with standout performances from Kohli Patidar Tilak and Hardik — but RCB took home the two points.