Rangers Roar, Challengers Floor: Mumbai Seal Four-Wicket Win in Style
- September 22, 2025
The Tranquil Developers You Selects IPL 2025 (Exhibition) at DCS You Selects Arena 2 lit up as Majestic Mumbai Rangers chased down 144 to outclass Heavengate and Status Bengaluru Challengers by four wickets with 21 balls to spare. It was a contest defined by momentum swings—Bengaluru fought through early jolts to post a fighting score, but Mumbai’s batters, spearheaded by Ajith Mohan and Prado, ensured the chase never slipped away. Ultimately, Thahir Muhammed’s four-for and Nahshel Backer’s miserly spell sealed the deal for Mumbai, while Bengaluru rued missed chances.
Bengaluru’s innings began in disaster when both Nijin Antony and Sanoj Abdu departed within the first over, the scoreboard reading 3/2. Saleesh Lakshman briefly counterattacked with two crisp boundaries but was undone for nine, leaving the side tottering at 20/3 inside three overs. The pressure was immense, but Vipin Venu stood tall, compiling a fluent 49 from 36 deliveries, punctuated by five fours and three sixes. His knock revived the innings and gave the middle order a platform to work with.
Captain Richu Musaliar attempted to grind it out with 22 off 31, while Prashanth Rajan added 16 in a short burst, including two maximums. However, breakthroughs kept stifling momentum, largely thanks to Thahir Muhammed’s precision with the ball. Jabir Manjeshwar and Richu both fell in quick succession to his guile, before Prashanth was stumped smartly. Bengaluru limped to 143/8 after 20 overs, a score that felt at least 25 runs short on the Sharjah surface. Extras (18 runs, including 16 wides) proved costly for Mumbai, but the disciplined spells of Thahir and Nahshel kept things under control.
Chasing 144, the Rangers began confidently through Ajith Mohan’s blazing 47 off 30, a knock decorated with four boundaries and two sixes. His aggression in the powerplay ensured Bengaluru’s bowlers never settled, and alongside Prado’s authoritative 30 from 21 balls, Mumbai breezed to 85/1 by the eighth over. Even after Ajith’s dismissal, momentum stayed intact. Prado’s departure and the loss of Arjun JK for two gave Bengaluru brief hope, but Pranil Khadtale’s composed 23 anchored the chase further.
Shamnad Ashraf’s 14 and Ayyappadas Vibin’s six off seven balls helped Mumbai inch closer, even though a late wobble reduced them to 137/6. With just seven needed, Janaki Ram and Nimish knocked off the runs comfortably, sealing victory in 16.3 overs. The Rangers’ depth, coupled with Ajith’s fearless start, made the chase look easier than it was. Despite a disciplined effort from Nijin Antony (2/32) and Ahmed Hashim (1/33), Bengaluru were left searching for answers as Mumbai celebrated a well-earned four-wicket triumph.
Star of the Match – Thahir Muhammed
Majestic Mumbai Rangers
Claimed 4/25 in four overs, dismantling Bengaluru’s middle order with clever variations and sustained pressure to break partnerships at key moments.
Master Blaster – Vipin Venu
Heavengate and Status Bengaluru Challengers
Top-scored with 49 off 36 balls, striking five boundaries and three sixes to hold the innings together under immense pressure.
Power Arm – Nahshel Backer
Majestic Mumbai Rangers
Bowled a brilliant spell of 3/11 in three overs, removing both openers cheaply and applying the brakes in the powerplay.
Safe Hands – Nimish
Majestic Mumbai Rangers
Held a sharp chance to dismiss Sanoj Abdu off Nahshel Backer’s bowling, setting the tone for Mumbai’s dominance early in the innings.
“Our bowlers set the tone, and Ajith’s innings made the chase simple. Clinical execution all around, very proud of the boys.”
Prado
Captain – Majestic Mumbai Rangers
“Vipin fought hard, but early wickets and poor shot selection hurt us. We’ll regroup and aim to bounce back stronger.”
Richu Musaliar
Captain – Bengaluru Challengers
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