New Delhi, March 30 -- In a high-scoring spectacle at the Wankhede Stadium, the Mumbai Indians (MI) chased down a daunting 221-run target with five balls to spare, defeating the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by six wickets. This victory marked MI's first season-opening win since 2012, in front of their passionate home crowd.

Hardik Pandya won the toss and elected to bowl first, a decision that initially seemed risky as KKR posted a formidable 220/4 in 20 overs. However, MI's bowlers, led by Player of the Match Shardul Thakur (3/39), restricted the visitors effectively in the middle overs despite some explosive batting from KKR.

Ajinkya Rahane, captaining KKR, played a composed anchor role with a quick fifty off 27 balls, helping the side ...