Krunal Pandya Shines in RCB's Thrilling Last-Ball Victory Over MI

In a gripping encounter, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) edged out Mumbai Indians (MI) with a last-ball victory, thanks to Krunal Pandya's remarkable 73 runs. Despite facing cramps, Krunal's performance was pivotal in leading RCB to the top of the points table. Bhuvneshwar Kumar also shone with a four-wicket haul. This match showcased the resilience and determination of both teams, particularly Krunal, who was hailed as a 'street fighter' by Mark Boucher. Read on for a detailed match summary and player highlights.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 11, 2026, 14:19 IST

Krunal's Stellar Performance

In a nail-biting finish, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) triumphed over Mumbai Indians (MI), with former South African cricketer Mark Boucher praising Krunal Pandya's impressive 73 runs, achieved despite battling cramps. Boucher highlighted the all-rounder's determination to secure a win for the defending champions.

Krunal's Masterful Knock

Krunal's aggressive innings of 73 runs off 46 balls, featuring four boundaries and five sixes, was pivotal in RCB's last-ball victory, clinching the match with two wickets remaining. This marks only Krunal's third half-century in the IPL, yet it stands out due to the challenging conditions at Raipur, where chasing a target of 167 seemed daunting. Although Bhuvneshwar Kumar earned the 'Player of the Match' award for his four wickets and a crucial six in the final over, many believe both players deserved recognition for their contributions in leading RCB to the top of the table. This season, Krunal has demonstrated remarkable hitting skills, accumulating 141 runs in six innings at an average of 35.50 and a strike rate of 150.00.

'A Street Fighter': Mark Boucher

During a discussion on JioHotStar's 'Match Centre Live', Boucher referred to Krunal as a 'street fighter', emphasizing that while he may not be the most aesthetically pleasing batter, his resilience is commendable. 'In low-scoring matches, you need fighters to secure victories. Krunal embodies that spirit. He may not always look graceful, but he finds a way to succeed. He resembles a dog in a fight, refusing to back down. The Mumbai Indians displayed great intent, but they were ultimately up against Krunal,' Boucher remarked. He noted that at one point, Krunal appeared exhausted, yet he continued to connect well with the ball. 'This performance is a significant achievement for Krunal Pandya. His desire to win was evident in his eyes,' he concluded.

Match Summary

In the match, RCB won the toss and chose to bowl first, a decision that paid off as MI struggled to 28/3 during the powerplay, thanks to Bhuvneshwar's exceptional bowling. Naman Dhir (47 runs off 32 balls, including five fours and two sixes) and Tilak Varma (57 runs off 42 balls, with three fours and two sixes) stabilized the innings, leading MI to a total of 166/7 in 20 overs. Bhuvneshwar was the standout bowler for RCB, taking 4 wickets for 23 runs, while Josh Hazlewood (1/33) and Romario Shepherd (1/18 in three overs) contributed effectively.

During RCB's chase, Virat Kohli was dismissed for a second consecutive golden duck, and the team found themselves at 39/3, with Deepak Chahar (2/33) controlling the game. However, Krunal formed a 55-run partnership with Jacob Bethell (26 runs off 27 balls, with two fours) and another 38-run partnership with Jitesh Sharma (18 runs), achieving a remarkable fifty. Despite losing Krunal and facing pressure from Corbin Bosch (4/26) and Allah Ghazanfar (1/33), RCB managed to secure a last-ball victory, with Rasikh Salam Dar (3*) hitting the winning runs.

Points Table Update

With seven wins and four losses, RCB currently leads the points table with 14 points, while MI sits at the ninth position with three wins and eight losses, having been eliminated from playoff contention alongside Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).