IPL 2026: Rutherford blasts 71* off 31, but RCB still too much for Mumbai

Defying the Wankhede dew factor, Royal Challengers Bengaluru silenced a partisan Mumbai crowd by posting the highest IPL total at the venue. Phil Salt set the tone with a bruising 78 off 36 balls, including a 47-run Powerplay assault that forced Jasprit Bumrah into an early double-spell.

While Virat Kohli struggled for rhythm during his 38-ball 50, Rajat Patidar ensured no momentum was lost, smashing a 20-ball half-century highlighted by a trio of sixes off Mayank Markande.

Mumbai’s chase began brightly via Ryan Rickelton, but the introduction of spin proved decisive.

Suyash Sharma struck twice in his opening over, removing Rickelton and Tilak Varma, while Krunal Pandya strangled the middle overs with a masterclass in matchup bowling against brother Hardik.

Despite Sherfane Rutherford’s late-innings carnage—a whirlwind 71* off 31 balls—the asking rate had climbed beyond reach.

RCB’s spinners combined for 3 for 73, outclassing their MI counterparts and securing a comfortable defense of their 240-run mountain. (ESPNcricinfo) 

 

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