KKR vs MI, 12th Match at Mumbai, IPL, Mar 31 2025 - Match Result

10:50pm That will be all from us for this game. We will be back again tomorrow, nice and early and LSG welcome the Punjab Kings. Until then, this is goodbye from Sudeep, Thilak and myself. Take care, everyone!

Ashwani Kumar, Player of the Match: It is a big thing for me that I got this opportunity and that I am getting this award. Never thought about this, just did my process and happy (to get this award). I am from Jhanjheri in Mohali district - to come from there to here, that is the result of my hard work and by god's grace I am here. I was confident, but I was a little nervous as well, thinking about what will happen. (On his message to his people back home) I want to make all of you feel proud in the upcoming games.

Hardik Pandya, Mumbai Indians captain: Very satisfying. To win, especially at home and the way we did it as a group - everyone chipped in, cannot be happier. It is always a challenge of picking one guy here or there. Our team is sorted with the players we are backing and the players we have. We thought Ashwani can come in (on this pitch) and bowl the way he bowled. It is all scouts - they picked him. They have gone to all the places and picked these young kids. We played a practice game, he had that zip, that late swing, something off the wicket, a different action and he was a leftie. We just backed him and the way he took that wicket of Russell was a very crucial wicket, and how he started with the catch of de Kock, it was terrific to see (a fast bowler jumping up to take it). When it goes my way, it looks good. But the kind of team we have, we have a lot of young and experienced players combined and I do not have to worry much. Early start, but a great sign for everyone to chip in and kick off the tournament for us.

Ajinkya Rahane, Kolkata Knight Riders captain: Collective batting failure, it was a good wicket to bat on. 180-190 would have been a good total on this pitch. We expect that (here), it has good bounce. When you are fighting against the bounce, that is what we did, you have to use it sometimes - we have to learn really fast. Bowlers were trying their best but not much runs on the board. We kept on losing wickets - four in the powerplay and after that, it was difficult to consolidate. You need one batter to bat through and stay till the end but that did not happen.

Ryan Rickelton: (On taking his time at the start) Didn't take my time, could not lay bat on it (smiles). It was nibbling around quite a lot, lucky to get a few away (at the start) to calm me down. (On the pitch having pace and bounce) Most definitely. Chatting to the guys (in South Africa) about playing here…looking forward to get out here again and maximizing the pace. It is unbelievable. Have never been to the Wankhede. To see the whole stadium turn blue, to play alongside Hardik, Rohit and SKY - to see how much they are adored in Mumbai is special, definitely going to enjoy my time here and special place to be. They (the bowlers) executed really well, quick to realize the lengths we needed to bowl, bowled phenomenally to restrict that team to 120. (On Suryakumar's trademark sixes towards the end) I just said to Quinny when he walked past that he (Suryakumar) is a joke. Stuff that I can only dream of. He has played that shot a million times - it is a unique shot and definitely not going to try it anytime soon, but glad he is on our team.

10:24pm And then there were none. Each team now has a win on the board, and MI, tonight, did it in some style. Their bowlers teed it up, which would have been very pleasing, given they almost conceded 200 to the Titans a few days ago, and then their batters thrived, despite the ball doing all sorts at the start. Rickelton led the way, registering his maiden half-century and Suryakumar added the finishing touches, continuing on from the spark he displayed in Ahmedabad on Saturday.

Another night to forget for KKR at the Wankhede Stadium. They were outplayed in each and every department, and will have to go back home, and to the drawing board with lots to ponder, including if their combination needs tweaking, or if they need better contingency plans.

Just three more needed. Will be fitting if Rickelton can hit those runs

Mohan Srinivasa: "Should have bowled out Varun. He was bowling superbly, only bowler bowling effectively." -- He might come back on from the other end. Suryakumar in at 4, in the meantime

Just 28 more needed now