Ashwani Kumar Steals the Show as Mumbai Indians Crush Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025 Thriller

The 12th match of the Indian Premier League 2025 will be remembered for a long time, courtesy of Ashwani Kumar's sensational debut for Mumbai Indians. The left-arm seamer from Punjab claimed 4 for 24, helping his team bundle out Kolkata Knight Riders for a paltry 116. The target was chased down with ease, thanks to Ryan Rickelton's unbeaten half-century. The difference in the two PowerPlays was stark, with MI rocking KKR early and knocking down almost half of the target inside the PowerPlay.

The PowerPlay phase saw MI dominate KKR, with Trent Boult setting the tone early by claiming his 30th IPL first-over wicket. Deepak Chahar struck twice, while debutant Ashwani made an immediate impact, dismissing KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane with his very first ball. The collapse left KKR reeling at the lowest PowerPlay score of the season. In contrast, MI's PowerPlay saw Rickelton break the shackles, taking on KKR's new-ball duo with a six and a four.

The middle overs saw Ashwani run riot, expertly setting up and dismissing key batters. He got Rinku Singh caught at deep cover before outfoxing both Manish Pandey and Andre Russell with short balls followed by well-directed length deliveries. The death overs saw Mitchell Santner wrap up the innings with 22 balls to spare, capping off a dominant bowling display by MI. The chase was sealed with 43 balls to spare, courtesy of Rickelton's maiden IPL half-century and Suryakumar Yadav's blazing form. Mumbai Indians will look to build on this momentum as they face LSG at the Ekana Stadium on April 4, while KKR will head back home to face SRH on April 3.