The night MI bowlers took over – Revisiting five spells that decided Playoffs and left opponents in ruins
When you think of the IPL playoffs, your mind often jumps to thrilling chases, sixes under pressure, and heroic batting finishes. But time and again, it's been the bowlers who've quietly turned the tide. Especially for Mumbai Indians—a team built on firepower with the bat and deadly spells with the ball. From seasoned legends to unexpected heroes, MI's bowlers have produced unforgettable performances when the stakes were highest.
In the intense heat of knockouts, they didn't just take wickets, they changed games, broke partnerships, and ended campaigns. This is a flashback to those defining moments—when MI bowlers didn't just deliver... they dominated. These are the stories of the spells that shaped victories and scripted Mumbai's path to glory.
Chepauk witnessed magic on May 24, 2023. Mumbai Indians, without Bumrah or Archer, needed a miracle. Enter Akash Madhwal. In the Eliminator against Lucknow Super Giants, Madhwal bowled one of the most devastating spells in IPL history—5 wickets for just 5 runs. His pace, seam, and sharp mind broke LSG's spine. He dismissed Pooran with a beauty and added two run-outs to his name, wrecking their chase of 183. LSG were bundled for 101. Mumbai's 81-run win wasn't just a result but a statement. Madhwal, a ₹20 lakh pick, had announced himself as MI's new bowling hero.
Qualifier 1 of IPL 2020 saw Mumbai Indians up against Delhi Capitals. With a spot in the final on the line, Bumrah unleashed a spell of fury. He knocked over Shikhar Dhawan for a duck, returned to derail Marcus Stoinis' valiant 65, and ended with figures of 4 for 14. Supported by Boult's double-wicket maiden, MI had reduced DC to 0 for 2. Even a 71-run rescue stand wasn't enough as Bumrah returned to end all hopes. MI had posted 200, but Bumrah made it feel like 250. Delhi never recovered, and Mumbai sailed into yet another final.
Spin did the trick in the 2017 Qualifier 2 at Bengaluru. When Karn Sharma was introduced, Kolkata Knight Riders were off to a shaky start. What followed was a demolition. He removed Narine, Gambhir, and de Grandhomme in quick succession. His variations confused, his guile destroyed. KKR slumped to 31/5 and could only manage 107. Bumrah chipped in with 3 for 7, but it was Karn's show all along. MI chased it down easily, but the match was already over when Karn's spell turned the script upside down. It was spin at its ruthless best.
Wankhede. A Qualifier 1. And Chennai Super Kings are chasing 188. It was tailor-made for Malinga to shine. The Lankan ace removed Dwayne Smith in his first over, albeit controversial. But there was no debate when he sent back Faf du Plessis. Malinga's toe-crushers and clever, slower balls left CSK choked. Harbhajan took the big wickets—Raina and Dhoni—but Malinga's control ensured there would be no comeback. His 3 for 23 came under pressure, with CSK still threatening. But with Malinga around, threats were always neutralized.
In the 2013 Qualifier 2, Mumbai faced Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens. Rajasthan started strong, but Harbhajan changed it all. He bowled Rahane behind his legs, removed Watson with a mistimed pull, and then scalped Dravid with a flighted beauty. That's three top batters gone. And it didn't stop there. He was also sharp in the field and involved in two run-outs. RR couldn't get past 165. MI's chase wasn't smooth, but Harbhajan's spell had already done the damage. It was clever bowling under pressure. It wasn't flashy—it was effective.
