IPL 2025: MI Set Mammoth 218-Run Target for RR After Batting Blitz in Jaipur

Ryan Rickelton’s fluent 61, Rohit Sharma’s half-century, and a late assault by Hardik and Surya power Mumbai Indians to 217/2 against struggling Rajasthan Royals at Sawai Mansingh Stadium.

Jaipur, May 1: Mumbai Indians (MI) continued their red-hot form in IPL 2025, posting a towering 217/2 against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur on Thursday. Riding on explosive half-centuries from Ryan Rickelton (61 off 38) and Rohit Sharma (53 off 34), and a finishing masterclass by Hardik Pandya (48 off 23)* and *Suryakumar Yadav (48 off 23)**, MI set a daunting target of 218 for the Royals to chase.

RR captain Riyan Parag won the toss and opted to bowl first, hoping to exploit potential dew later in the evening. However, MI’s top order had other plans. Openers Rickelton and Rohit put on a solid stand, taking on both pace and spin with authority. Rickelton struck seven boundaries and three sixes before falling to Maheesh Theekshana, while Rohit crafted his innings with nine crisp fours before being dismissed by Parag himself.

Once the openers departed, the fireworks began. Suryakumar and Hardik took charge in the death overs, unleashing a flurry of boundaries and sixes. The pair stitched together an unbeaten partnership, ensuring MI crossed the 200-run mark with ease. Their calculated assault saw MI add over 70 runs in the final five overs, giving them strong momentum going into the second half.

Mumbai Indians came into this clash sitting third on the points table with six wins and four losses, riding on a five-match winning streak. Their last win came against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), where they secured a 54-run victory.

Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals find themselves in troubled waters with just three wins in ten matches, languishing in eighth position. Their skipper Riyan Parag emphasized a game-by-game approach and the need for players to express themselves freely, but his side now faces a daunting challenge to chase 218 and keep playoff hopes alive.

With MI’s bowlers — including Bumrah, Chahar, and Boult — ready to defend the total, RR’s response will need to be aggressive, calculated, and error-free.

Stay tuned for the second innings highlights and full match report.