MI unleash batting carnage, set Royals target of 218 in Jaipur

Pic: IPL/X

Mumbai Indians produced a commanding batting performance to post a formidable 217/2 against Rajasthan Royals in their IPL 2025 clash on Thursday.

Sublime half-centuries from openers Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickelton laid the foundation, before Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya delivered a blistering finish.

Opting to bowl first in anticipation of heavy dew later in the evening, the Royals found themselves on the back foot early as Rohit and Rickelton came out all guns blazing. The duo stitched together a 116-run partnership that left the Rajasthan bowlers scrambling for answers.

Rickelton took the attack to the pacers with clean, authoritative strokes, while Rohit showcased his class against the spinners. The South African left-hander scored a fluent 61 off 38 balls, with the highlight of his knock being an elegant flick off Fazalhaq Farooqi that sailed into the stands.

Meanwhile, Rohit, who found his touch after a quiet start to the tournament, crafted a composed 53 off 36 balls. He was particularly severe on Maheesh Theekshana, dispatching him for consecutive boundaries and bringing up his half-century with a stylish shot over backward point.

Even Jofra Archer, who began with a tidy first over, wasn't spared. The Mumbai openers plundered 18 runs off his second over, with Rohit carving a boundary through point and Rickelton launching a six over mid-wicket.

After both openers departed in quick succession, Mumbai didn't lose momentum. Suryakumar Yadav and Hardik Pandya stepped in and took complete control, both scoring unbeaten 48s off just 23 deliveries. SKY displayed his signature flair, including a remarkable scoop over fine leg off Archer that sent him tumbling to the ground. Pandya was equally destructive, rotating strike efficiently and punishing anything loose.

The final five overs yielded a staggering 71 runs as the MI duo went into overdrive. Suryakumar fittingly ended the innings with a powerful six straight down the ground off Akash Madhwal, who otherwise impressed with a few well-executed yorkers.

With a daunting total of 217 on the board, Mumbai Indians have given their bowlers an excellent platform to secure their sixth consecutive win. Rajasthan Royals now face a steep uphill battle in this must-win contest.