Bhuvneshwar, Krunal script see-saw last-ball thriller for RCB
Two high-profile teams played out a game of many twists, ending in a last-ball thriller in Raipur's first IPL game this season, which pushed one to the top of the table and dashed the qualification hopes of another. Bhuvneshwar Kumar's four-wicket haul limited Mumbai Indians to 166/7, and then Krunal Pandya's 46-ball 73 set the platform for RCB's chase. Despite two stellar performances, and a series of errors from Mumbai Indians, it took the No 9 and No 10 batters to take them over the line off the last ball of the game.
Brief Scores: Mumbai Indians 166/7 in 20 overs (Tilak Varma 57, Naman Dhir 47; Bhuvneshwar Kumar 4-23) lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru 167/8 in 20 overs (Krunal Pandya 73, Jacob Bethell 27; Corbin Bosch 4-26) by 2 wickets
Vintage Bhuvi triggers MI's top-order collapse
Bhuvneshwar Kumar produced a lethal spell with the new ball, taking three wickets inside three overs. His tight lines and assistance from the cracks on the surface ensured MI's top order crumbled.
Tilak Varma, Naman Dhir rebuild
Tilak Varma survived a dropped catch in the Powerplay and went on to score 57 off 47 balls. Naman Dhir provided support with 47 off 32, and the pair added 49 runs in six overs to steady the innings after the early collapse.
Krunal Pandya anchors RCB chase
Krunal Pandya crafted a 46-ball 73 on a challenging surface to ensure the game never slipped out of RCB's grasp. A 55-run stand with Jacob Bethell provided the spine to the innings.
Bosch almost turns the game for MI
Corbin Bosch delivered the first maiden of the season and struck twice in two balls to remove Jitesh Sharma and Tim David, swinging momentum back MI's way.
Dramatic final over
With 15 needed off the last over, Corbin Bosch was handed the ball. After Shepherd was dismissed, RCB needed 9 off 3 balls with No 9 and 10 at the crease. Bhuvneshwar Kumar smashed a six over extra cover, and Rasikh Salam hit the final ball back to the bowler, who deflected it towards mid on as the batters scampered for the winning run.
Having suffered their eighth loss in 11 games, Mumbai Indians' hopes of qualifying for the playoffs have been dashed. Meanwhile, RCB have moved to the top spot with their seventh win in 11 games.
Next matches: RCB face Kolkata Knight Riders on Wednesday (May 13); Mumbai Indians face Punjab Kings on Thursday (May 14).
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