The rivalry between the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in the Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most anticipated matchups in the tournament. Both teams have a rich history of success, and their encounters often provide thrilling cricketing action. Here’s a comprehensive timeline of the notable matches between KKR and MI, highlighting key moments, performances, and outcomes.
1. IPL 2008: The Beginning
Match Date: April 19, 2008
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
The first-ever clash between KKR and MI set the tone for an exciting rivalry. KKR, led by Sourav Ganguly, faced off against the MI side captained by Sachin Tendulkar. KKR won the match by 5 wickets, with key contributions from Brendon McCullum, who scored a blistering 158* off 73 balls. This match was significant for KKR, marking their first-ever victory in the IPL and setting a high standard for future encounters.
2. IPL 2009: A Balanced Contest
Match Date: May 4, 2009
Venue: Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
In the 2009 season, the rivalry continued as MI sought to avenge their previous loss. KKR put up a competitive total of 159 runs, with a strong performance from the middle order. MI’s response was led by a solid batting display from their top order, including a crucial innings from the then-captain, Sachin Tendulkar. MI chased down the target with ease, winning by 9 wickets. This match highlighted MI’s resilience and their ability to bounce back.
3. IPL 2010: MI’s Dominance
Match Date: March 28, 2010
Venue: DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai
The 2010 season saw MI firmly establishing their dominance in the IPL. They put up a formidable total of 182 runs, thanks to explosive innings from Kieron Pollard and a solid contribution from Tendulkar. KKR struggled in their chase, being restricted to 137 runs, giving MI a comfortable victory by 45 runs. This match emphasized MI’s depth in both batting and bowling departments.
4. IPL 2011: KKR’s Comeback
Match Date: April 5, 2011
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
KKR’s resurgence was evident in their 2011 encounter with MI. Led by Gautam Gambhir, KKR set a challenging target of 185 runs. MI, despite a valiant effort from their top order, fell short of the target, giving KKR a crucial win by 29 runs. This match was notable for KKR’s strong all-round performance and their ability to execute their plans effectively.
5. IPL 2012: The IPL Final
Match Date: May 27, 2012
Venue: Chennai’s M. A. Chidambaram Stadium
The 2012 IPL final was a historic clash between KKR and MI. Both teams had made significant progress throughout the season, and their encounter in the final was eagerly anticipated. KKR emerged victorious, winning the title by defeating MI by 5 wickets. A pivotal moment was the brilliant performance by Manvinder Bisla, who scored 89 runs off 48 balls. KKR’s victory in this match cemented their status as one of the premier teams in the IPL.
6. IPL 2013: MI’s Resilience
Match Date: May 12, 2013
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
MI’s resilience was on full display in their 2013 encounter with KKR. Despite KKR setting a challenging target of 170 runs, MI’s chase was anchored by a strong performance from their middle order, including crucial innings from Dinesh Karthik and Kieron Pollard. MI successfully chased down the target with 5 wickets in hand, showcasing their ability to chase big totals under pressure.
7. IPL 2014: KKR’s Dominance
Match Date: April 5, 2014
Venue: Abu Dhabi
In the 2014 season, KKR asserted their dominance in their clash with MI. KKR’s bowlers, led by Sunil Narine, restricted MI to a modest total of 148 runs. KKR’s chase was anchored by a solid innings from Gautam Gambhir, and they achieved the target with ease, winning by 5 wickets. This match was notable for KKR’s comprehensive performance in both batting and bowling.
8. IPL 2015: MI’s Strong Performance
Match Date: May 8, 2015
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
MI’s performance in the 2015 season was impressive as they faced KKR in a high-stakes encounter. MI set a competitive target of 170 runs, with contributions from their top order. Despite a valiant effort from KKR’s batsmen, they fell short of the target, giving MI a victory by 20 runs. This match highlighted MI’s ability to perform well under pressure and their strong all-round capabilities.
9. IPL 2016: A Close Encounter
Match Date: May 22, 2016
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
The 2016 encounter between KKR and MI was a closely contested match. KKR set a target of 175 runs, with a strong performance from their middle order. MI’s chase was driven by a solid innings from Rohit Sharma and a crucial knock from Kieron Pollard. MI achieved the target with just 2 balls to spare, winning by 6 wickets. This match was a testament to MI’s ability to chase down challenging targets.
10. IPL 2017: MI’s Winning Streak
Match Date: April 9, 2017
Venue: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
MI continued their winning streak in the 2017 season as they faced KKR in a high-intensity match. MI set a challenging total of 184 runs, with contributions from their top order. Despite a strong effort from KKR, including a crucial innings from Chris Lynn, they fell short of the target, giving MI a victory by 4 wickets. This match highlighted MI’s strength in both batting and bowling.
11. IPL 2018: KKR’s Revenge
Match Date: May 12, 2018
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
KKR sought revenge in their 2018 encounter with MI. KKR put up a formidable total of 245 runs, with a spectacular innings from Sunil Narine and a solid contribution from Robin Uthappa. MI’s chase fell short despite a valiant effort from their top order, giving KKR a resounding victory by 102 runs. This match was a memorable one for KKR fans, showcasing their dominant performance.
12. IPL 2019: A Close Finish
Match Date: March 28, 2019
Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata
The 2019 encounter between KKR and MI was a thrilling contest. KKR set a target of 233 runs, with a stellar innings from Andre Russell. MI’s chase was anchored by a solid performance from their middle order, including a crucial knock from Kieron Pollard. MI achieved the target with just 4 balls to spare, winning by 4 wickets. This match was a nail-biter and showcased the competitive nature of both teams.
13. IPL 2020: A High-Stakes Match
Match Date: October 16, 2020
Venue: Abu Dhabi
In the 2020 season, KKR and MI faced off in a high-stakes match in Abu Dhabi. MI set a target of 200 runs, with contributions from their top order. KKR’s chase was driven by a strong performance from Shubman Gill and a crucial innings from Andre Russell. KKR fell short of the target, giving MI a victory by 8 wickets. This match highlighted MI’s ability to perform well under pressure and their strong all-round capabilities.
14. IPL 2021: A Thrilling Encounter
Match Date: September 23, 2021
Venue: Dubai International Stadium
The 2021 encounter between KKR and MI was a thrilling contest in Dubai. KKR set a competitive total of 155 runs, with contributions from their middle order. MI’s chase was anchored by a solid performance from their top order, including a crucial knock from Rohit Sharma. MI achieved the target with 4 balls to spare, winning by 4 wickets. This match was a testament to MI’s ability to chase down challenging targets.
15. IPL 2022: A High-Scoring Affair
Match Date: April 6, 2022
Venue: Brabourne Stadium, Mumbai
In the 2022 season, KKR and MI faced off in a high-scoring affair at Brabourne Stadium. MI set a massive target of 220 runs, with explosive innings from their top order. KKR’s chase was driven by a strong performance from their middle order, including a crucial innings from Andre Russell. KKR fell short of the target, giving MI a victory by 35 runs. This match highlighted the high-scoring nature of the encounter and MI’s ability to set challenging targets.