The Mumbai Indians began their Indian Premier League campaign with a stunning chase to earn a six-wicket victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Ryan Rickelton and Rohit Sharma starred after KKR had posted 220-4 from their innings, but the Indians, who were the pre-tournament favourites for the title, chased down their daunting target with five balls to spare.

A strong start from Ajinkya Rahane and Finn Allen saw KKR race past 50 in 3.5 overs, but the latter was caught off Shardul Thakur's (3-39) bowling shortly after for 37.

KKR continued to impress, though Thakur remained a thorn in their side, taking Cameron Green (18) and Rahane (67) by the midway point of the 14th over.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi added 51 to help take them past 200, with Rinku Singh's 33 also helping them on their way to a strong total.

However, Mumbai responded in kind, with Rickelton (81) and Rohit (78) propelling them to 148 before the latter was caught by Anukul Roy, who also ran out the South African later on.

Tilak Varma added 20 to the Indians' total, but it was Naman Dhir (5) who hit the winning boundary to take Mumbai to 224-4 and get them off to the ideal start.

saal ka intazaar… 𝐊𝐇𝐀𝐓𝐀𝐌 pic.twitter.com/CuIcJ5fz8J

— Mumbai Indians (@mipaltan) March 29, 2026

Data Debrief: Indians finally start with a win

Mumbai last won their IPL season opener way back in 2012, but they ended a 14-year wait to kick off the tournament with a win in style.

This is the first time they have chased down a 220-plus target, having failed in each of their previous seven attempts, mostly down to a brilliant opening partnership.

The 148-run stand between Rohit and Rickelton is the highest-ever at the Wankhede Stadium for any wicket, while it is also the third-highest stand for any wicket for the Indians.