Rutherford’s late blitz falls short as Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Mumbai by 18 runs at Wankhede

Royal Challengers Bengaluru held their nerve to beat Mumbai Indians by 18 runs at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai, in Match 20 of the 2026 Indian Premier League, despite a ferocious late assault from Sherfane Rutherford. The left-hander smashed his maiden IPL half-century and cleared the ropes four times in the final over, but the chase still finished short.

Mumbai needed 45 off the last six balls when Romario Shepherd took the ball for the 20th over. Rutherford launched a waist-high full toss for six to reach fifty and immediately reviewed for a no ball, but the third umpire determined his waist height at 1.00 m and the ball at 0.97 m—close, but not above the limit.

Rutherford then peppered the stands with more big hits, including a flat pull over deep mid-wicket and a lofted strike over cover, as Shepherd’s over went for 26. The final delivery disappeared for six as well, yet Royal Challengers Bengaluru had already put the game out of reach.

The closing stages were laced with reviews and tight calls. In the 18th over, Bhuvneshwar Kumar repeatedly hit the blockhole to choke the scoring. Earlier, an over from Jacob Duffy swung wildly between wides and maximums—three of each for a total of 21—without truly easing the pressure on the asking rate.

Rutherford also challenged a short ball for height, but third-umpire technology recorded his head height at 1.87 m and the ball at 1.80 m, so no wide was awarded. Moments later, when he looked to question another wide, Mumbai were out of reviews. In the end, Rutherford’s late fireworks and a supporting hand from Mitchell Santner could not haul Mumbai over the line.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru closed out a tense finish to claim victory by 18 runs and bank the points in Mumbai.