MI chase down 221: Rohit‑Rickelton blitz powers Mumbai to thrilling 6‑wicket win over KKR

In a pulsating start to Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, Mumbai Indians chased down a challenging 221‑run target to defeat Kolkata Knight Riders by 6 wickets with five balls to spare at a packed Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai on Sunday night, winning their IPL opening match for the first time since 2012 .

Kolkata Knight Riders posted a strong 220/4 in 20 overs , with Ajinkya Rahane top-scoring with 67 off 40 balls . Rahane was well supported by Finn Allen's explosive 37 off 17 balls at the top, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi's 51 off 29 balls lower down the order. Rinku Singh contributed a handy 33 off 21 balls* in the death overs to take KKR past the 220-mark.

Mumbai's chase was set up by a stunning opening partnership of 148 runs between Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma . Rickelton blazed 81 off 43 while Rohit played a brilliant knock of 78 off 38, the duo attacking relentlessly through the middle overs and keeping the required run rate well within control. Suryakumar Yadav chipped in with a brisk 16 off 8 before Tilak Varma (20 off 14) and Hardik Pandya (18 off 11) helped MI over the line in the 19th over, finishing at 224/4 in 19.1 overs.

With the ball, Shardul Thakur was Mumbai's standout performer , picking up 3 wickets to keep KKR's innings in check throughout.

Despite a competitive total, KKR could not defend it against the Rohit–Rickelton onslaught . Mumbai Indians kick-started their IPL 2026 campaign in style , winning their first match of the tournament after 14 years , as fans at Wankhede Stadium witnessed high-octane T20 action.

Today’s IPL Schedule:

• Rajasthan Royals vs Chennai Super Kings , Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati – 7:30 PM IST