Debutant Ashwani Kumar Shines as Mumbai Indians Crush KKR by Eight Wickets

Mumbai Indians (MI) delivered a dominant performance to thrash defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by eight wickets, thanks to a sensational IPL debut by Ashwani Kumar and a clinical chase led by Ryan Rickelton.

KKR’s Batting Collapse: Bowled Out for 116

Winning the toss and opting to bowl, MI’s pacers immediately put KKR under pressure. Deepak Chahar struck early, removing Quinton de Kock (1) and Venkatesh Iyer (3), while Trent Boult dismissed Sunil Narine for a duck.

However, the star of the innings was debutant Ashwani Kumar, who produced a dream spell, claiming 4 wickets for 24 runs. He dismantled KKR’s middle order, removing Ajinkya Rahane (11), Rinku Singh (17), Manish Pandey (19), and Andre Russell (5).

Despite a fighting 26 off 16 balls from Angkrish Raghuvanshi and a late 22-run effort from Ramandeep Singh, KKR folded for just 116 runs in 18.3 overs.

Bowling Figures (MI):

• Ashwani Kumar: 4/24

• Deepak Chahar: 2/19

• Trent Boult: 1/21

Rickelton Leads MI’s Chase in Style

Chasing 117, MI made light work of the target, courtesy of a 46-run opening stand between Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton. While Rohit struggled before falling for 18 to Andre Russell, Rickelton continued his aggressive approach.

The left-hander smashed 62 off 41 balls, striking five sixes and four boundaries, while Suryakumar Yadav’s explosive cameo (27 off 9) finished the game in style.

MI reached 117/2 in just 13 overs, sealing an emphatic eight-wicket win.

Top Performers:

• Ryan Rickelton: 62 (41)

• Suryakumar Yadav: 27 (9)

• Ashwani Kumar (POTM): 4/24

Mumbai Indians Climb Up the Table

With this victory, MI bounced back strongly, while KKR’s struggles continued as their batting lineup failed to deliver.

Stay tuned for more IPL 2025 updates!