Krunal 4-for floors brother Hardik Pandya’s Mumbai Indians in intense IPL showdown | Cricket News
NEW DELHI: In one of IPL 2025’s most gripping encounters, Krunal Pandya stole the spotlight at the Wankhede Stadium as Royal Challengers Bengaluru edged past Mumbai Indians by 12 runs in a thrilling sibling showdown.
In a match where both Pandyas featured prominently, it was Krunal who held his nerve when it mattered most, delivering a match-winning spell of 4 for 45 in four overs.
Defending 221, RCB found themselves under pressure when Hardik Pandya launched a counterattack, smashing 42 off just 15 balls.
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Alongside Tilak Varma (56 off 29), Hardik kept MI in the hunt, with the side cruising at 181 for 4 after 17 overs. But Krunal’s return in the death overs turned the tide dramatically.
With MI needing 19 from 6 balls and Mitchell Santner looking solid, Krunal struck with his first ball of the 19th over, dismissing the Kiwi with a full-length delivery.
From there, the veteran all-rounder unleashed a flurry of game-changing deliveries, removing Deepak Chahar and dangerous Naman Dhir in the span of four balls.
The over yielded three wickets and just six runs, effectively shutting the door on Mumbai’s late charge.
Krunal’s final figures read 4/45 — expensive on paper, but invaluable considering the context and the quality of scalps. His clinical execution under pressure earned him the upper hand in the much-hyped Pandya duel.
Earlier in the match, Krunal didn’t get to bat as RCB posted 221 for 5, powered by Rajat Patidar’s 64 off 32 and Virat Kohli’s brisk 67.
Despite a strong fightback from MI’s middle order, Krunal’s late burst ensured RCB’s third win of the season.
In a clash filled with emotion, power-hitting, and drama, it was Krunal Pandya’s icy composure and clutch bowling that settled the family feud — and the match.
Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India, including match schedules, team squads, points table and IPL live score for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Don’t miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap.
