Thirteen years ago a team made history by winning the first Champions League T20 title and time has remembered their name, the IPL 2025 is still full of attractions.
While waiting for the match, let's go back to the classic moments of the past with BRG365!
Match Importance
The Champions League T20 (CLT20) was a top cricket tournament featuring the best T20 teams globally.
It had a group stage followed by knockout rounds, offering players a chance to showcase their skills on the international stage.
For Mumbai Indians, the CLT20 was an opportunity to prove themselves internationally, following their strong IPL run, including a 2010 final.
In 2011, they aimed to win their first major title in the Champions League T20.
Group Performances
Mumbai Indians entered the 2011 CLT20 with a strong squad, though missing key players due to injury, including the legendary Sachin Tendulkar.
Despite these challenges, their resolve remained unshaken.
The group stage proved tough, with Mumbai facing formidable opponents like Chennai Super Kings and Trinidad and Tobago.
Key players like Lasith Malinga, Kieron Pollard, and Harbhajan Singh stood out during the group stage.
Malinga’s yorkers and Pollard’s power hitting were instrumental in the team’s progression.
Harbhajan Singh, captaining the side in the absence of some senior players, led with his experience and delivered crucial performances.
The Final: MI vs RCB
The final took place at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore, with Mumbai Indians facing off against the high-flying Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), who had already shown their ability to chase down big totals.
Key Moments in Champions League T20
RCB won the toss and chose to bowl first. Mumbai's innings faltered early, with only James Franklin offering resistance, scoring 41 runs off 29 balls.
Their total of 139 all out seemed modest, and it was widely expected that RCB's heavy-hitters, including Chris Gayle and Virat Kohli, would easily chase it down.
However, Mumbai’s bowlers had other plans. Harbhajan Singh was the show's star, taking 3 wickets for 20 runs, while Lasith Malinga and Abu Nechim also contributed with timely wickets.
The slow pitch played into the hands of Mumbai’s spinners, who restricted RCB to a mere 108 runs, a total far below expectations.
Mumbai won by 31 runs, capturing their first Champions League T20 title.
Match Summary:
| Team | Total | Top Scorer | Best Bowler |
| Mumbai Indians (Batting First) | 139 all out | James Franklin 41 (29) | Harbhajan Singh 3/20 |
| Royal Challengers Bangalore | 108 all out | Chris Gayle 38 (25) | Malinga 2/23, Chahal 2/9 |
Tactical Analysis
Mumbai Indians executed their game plan brilliantly, especially in the bowling department.
Harbhajan Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal exploited the slow pitch, with both spinners taking crucial wickets.
The strategic use of Malinga and Nechim to bowl at key moments in the game, especially in the death overs, kept RCB’s chase in check.
In the batting department, though they struggled early, Mumbai’s ability to recover, led by Franklin, ensured they posted a defendable total.
It was clear that despite the low total, Mumbai's bowlers had enough firepower to challenge RCB’s chase.
Player Reactions
Harbhajan Singh:
After the match, Harbhajan Singh shared his thoughts, “It was an emotional journey for all of us. We had injuries, we had challenges, but the spirit of Mumbai Indians has always been about fighting till the very end. It feels amazing to win this tournament, especially when we didn’t have some of our top players. This win is dedicated to our fans, the Paltan, who have supported us relentlessly.”
Lasith Malinga:
When asked about his performance, Malinga said, “It feels fantastic to be part of this special victory. My job is simple – to bowl yorkers and make sure the opposition doesn’t get away with the game. We had a plan, and it worked beautifully. I’m happy that I could contribute to this historic win.”
Coverage of CT20
International media hailed Mumbai Indians for their tactical brilliance and resilience in the final.
The Guardian reported, “Mumbai Indians' victory was a textbook example of T20 strategy: strong bowling, effective death overs, and a calm head in crunch moments. Harbhajan and Malinga were the standout performers, each playing crucial roles in dismantling RCB's chase.”
Fan Celebration in Champions League T20
Fans were ecstatic as Mumbai Indians clinched their first major international title.
Social media exploded with celebrations, with fans sharing pictures, videos, and heartfelt messages.
One fan tweeted, “From IPL to CLT20, Mumbai always delivers! Paltan, this one is for you!” The victory fostered an even deeper connection between the team and its loyal fans.
Winning the Champions League T20 wasn’t just about claiming a title; it marked the beginning of a dominant era for Mumbai Indians.
Their journey, driven by team spirit, resilience, and smart strategy, laid the foundation for a legacy that would grow both on the field and off it.
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