In a dramatic conclusion to the league stage of IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a sensational performance to defeat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by six wickets at the Ekana Stadium. This victory not only secured RCB a top-two finish but also saw them achieve their highest successful run chase in IPL history, chasing down a daunting target of 228 with eight balls to spare.
Jitesh Sharma: The Game-Changer for Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Jitesh Sharma emerged as the undisputed hero of the match. Walking in with RCB under pressure at 103 for 4, Sharma played a breathtaking unbeaten knock of 85 off just 33 balls. His innings, featuring eight boundaries and six sixes, completely changed the course of the game. Sharma’s aggressive partnership with Mayank Agarwal, who contributed a vital 41 not out off 23 balls, added 97 runs in just 41 deliveries, sealing the chase in style.
This was Sharma’s first-ever IPL half-century, and it could not have come at a more crucial moment for RCB, who needed a win to secure a direct path to Qualifier 1.
IMAGE CREDIT : RCB
Rishabh Pant’s Century in Vain for Lucknow Super Giants
Jitesh Sharma may have stolen the headlines, but LSG captain Rishabh Pant produced a remarkable performance of his own. Batting at number three, Pant hammered an unbeaten 118 off 61 balls, including 11 fours and nine sixes, to register his first IPL century since 2018. Supported by Mitchell Marsh’s 67 off 37 balls, Pant helped LSG post a formidable total of 227 for 3. Despite this, LSG’s bowlers were unable to contain RCB’s relentless batting onslaught.
IPL 2025 Playoff Implications: RCB to Face Punjab Kings
With this win, RCB secured a top-two finish and will face Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1. The victory also set a new IPL record, as RCB became the first team to win all seven away matches in a single season. Meanwhile, LSG ended their campaign on a disappointing note, missing out on the playoffs despite Pant’s heroics.