IPL 2021: 3 Best matches between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore

The Indian Premier League 2021 is all set to begin with a battle between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore on April 9. The match will be played at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. Both the teams have shared fierce rivalry against each other during the course of the 13 seasons played so far. 

In the 27 matches between the two franchises, Mumbai has had an upper hand, winning 17 of them. Bangalore, on the other hand, has only won 10 matches. Even though the numbers might not suggest close rivalry, but there have been several close matches between the two sides. The fact that this rivalry also brings Virat Kohli up against Rohit Sharma every year, is another reason why there is some hype around this clash. 

When it comes to the title wins, Mumbai are way ahead of Bangalore, who are still eyeing their maiden title win. As these teams line up against each other in the opening game of the IPL 2021, let us look back at the best matches these two sides have played over the years.

Here are 3 best matches between Mumbai Indians and Royal Challengers Bangalore:

1. MI vs RCB, Mumbai, 2015

Coming into the IPL 2015, Royal Challengers Bangalore once again strongly relied upon the batting brilliance of their captain Virat Kohli and South African batsman AB de Villiers. Both the players were in tremendous form in international cricket, especially de Villiers who had just months ago, hit the fastest ever ODI century.

Playing at the Wankhede is never easy for any visiting team as Mumbai Indians have always had their best performance ready for the matches at home. RCB arrived at the Wankhede for a day match and opted to bat. The visitors got off to an indifferent start after losing Chris Gayle in the fourth over. However, De Villiers and Kohli managed to take the innings ahead. 

The two batted brilliantly. The South African got his second IPL century scoring 133 runs from just 59 balls. Kohli also stayed unbeaten for 82 from just 50 balls, as the pair racked up a 215-run stand from just 101 balls. RCB finished on 235 for 1. Mumbai Indians fell short of the target by 39 runs as RCB conquered Wankhede on this occasion.