The Two giants of the Indian Premier League Royal Challengers Bangalore and Mumbai Indians have come up against each other multiple times. Mumbai, with five IPL titles to its name, is the most successful and cheered franchise of the cash-rich league whereas RCB despite being the strongest team ever in the history of the Indian Premier League has failed to name any trophy on its side. Although the Challengers have advanced to the final three times—in 2009, 2011, and 2016, they never succeeded in holding the trophy. Following are the top 5 closest encounters between the two.
1. RCB vs MI, 2013
In the 2013 IPL, Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore battled to a thrilling conclusion at Chinnaswamy Stadium. Chris Gayle was named player of the match even though RCB only managed to win by two runs. After being given the opportunity to bat, the hosts only managed to score 156 runs in their 20 overs. The outstanding batsman was Chris Gayle, who finished undefeated with 92 runs. RCB won the match with 2 runs.
2. RCB vs MI, 2015
During this game, 431 runs were scored in total. After opting to bat first, RCB amassed 235 runs overall for the loss of just one wicket. AB de Villiers provided a treat for the crowd by scoring 133 runs off just 59 balls. Virat Kohli contributed well as well, getting 82 runs in only 50 balls. Despite fighting sensationally, Mumbai lost by 39 runs.
3. RCB vs MI, 2017
Mumbai Indians choose to bowl first after winning the toss. The visitors performed admirably, limiting RCB to 142 runs in 20 overs. However, Mumbai Indians had the worst conceivable start to the target chase. As MI found themselves reeling at 7 runs for the loss of four wickets, Samuel Badree took a hat trick. However, the magnificent batting of Krunal Pandya and Kieron Pollard helped MI cross the finish line. MI won the game with four wickets still standing.
4. RCB vs MI, 2019
The Mumbai Indians set a lofty goal for Kohli’s team with their 187-run total. However, despite de Villiers’ excellent performance, which saw him score 70 runs in just 41 balls, RCB fell short of the goal by 6 runs.
5. RCB vs MI, 2020
A super over that favored RCB was used to determine the winner of the game. Kohli’s team scored 201 runs, including half-centuries from AB de Villiers, Paddikal, and Finch. At the conclusion of 11 overs, Mumbai was reeling at 78 for the loss of four wickets, and RCB was on the verge of a comfortable victory. Ishan Kishan’s heroic innings of 99 runs, though, allowed MI to come back in the game.
