Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) rose to the top of the table after surviving a last-ball thriller in Raipur, edging past Mumbai Indians (MI) in a finish that also ended the playoff hopes of both MI and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).
In a match defined by momentum swings, RCB clinched victory on the final delivery when Rasikh Salam completed the two runs needed after a chaotic fielding error, sealing a win that sent them to the top of the IPL standings. The ending came after a misfield at the bowler’s end turned a routine stop into a match-defining moment.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar delivered one of his finest IPL spells, striking early with three wickets and later contributing a crucial late six while batting at No. 10. RCB’s chase was anchored by Krunal Pandya, who produced a composed and powerful 73 off 46 balls under pressure. Even as wickets fell around him, Krunal kept RCB within reach before the dramatic final over unfolded.
MI’s batting never fully recovered after early strikes, despite brief resistance from Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir. In the end, RCB’s ability to hold their nerve in the final moments proved decisive, turning a tense chase into a season-defining victory that pushed them to the top of the table.
