In a thrilling display of power-hitting and unwavering determination, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) clinched a sensational six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their final league match of IPL 2025, booking their spot in Qualifier 1 after a nine-year hiatus. The match, played at the iconic Ekana Cricket Stadium, witnessed an extraordinary performance by Jitesh Sharma, who not only powered RCB to a historic run-chase but also shattered a long-standing record held by the legendary MS Dhoni.
LSG, batting first, set a daunting target of 227-3 in their allotted 20 overs, thanks to a magnificent century from Rishabh Pant. Pant’s aggressive 118 off 61 balls, laced with 12 fours and 7 sixes, showcased his return to form after a challenging season. Supported by a fiery cameo from KL Rahul (42 off 28), LSG’s batting unit looked unstoppable, putting RCB under immense pressure to pull off one of the highest chases of the season.
RCB’s response started with a bang as openers Phil Salt (30 off 19) and Virat Kohli (54 off 34) stitched together a brisk 61-run stand in just 5.4 overs. However, a dramatic middle-order collapse left RCB reeling at 123-4 by the 12th over, with LSG’s spinners tightening the screws. It seemed like the match was slipping away from RCB, until Jitesh Sharma walked in at No. 6 and turned the tide with a breathtaking knock that will be remembered for years to come.
Partnering with Mayank Agarwal (41 off 23), Sharma unleashed a barrage of boundaries, constructing a game-changing 107-run partnership for the fifth wicket. This stand not only revived RCB’s hopes but also etched their names in the record books as the highest fifth-wicket or lower partnership in a successful run-chase for the franchise, surpassing the previous record of 91 set by AB de Villiers and Iqbal Abdulla in 2016. Sharma’s unbeaten 85 off 33 balls, studded with 6 fours and 8 towering sixes, also broke MS Dhoni’s record for the highest score by a No. 6 or lower batsman in a successful IPL chase, eclipsing Dhoni’s 70* off 34 against RCB in 2018.
This victory was more than just a match win for RCB; it marked a historic milestone as they became the first team in IPL history to win all seven away games in a single season, a feat that outshone previous records held by Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians (7 out of 8 in 2012). RCB’s consistency on the road, combined with their ability to thrive under pressure, has made them a formidable contender for the IPL 2025 title.
Jitesh Sharma’s record-breaking knock now tops the list of highest scores from No. 6 or lower in successful IPL run-chases, which includes some iconic performances: 85* (33) – Jitesh Sharma (RCB vs LSG, 2025), 70* (34) – MS Dhoni (CSK vs RCB, 2018), 70* (31) – Andre Russell (KKR vs PBKS, 2022), 70 (47) – Kieron Pollard (MI vs RCB, 2017), and 68 (30) – Dwayne Bravo (CSK vs MI, 2018). Sharma’s strike rate of over 257 in this inning also places him among the elite power-hitters of the IPL.
As RCB head into Qualifier 1, their momentum is undeniable. With Virat Kohli leading from the front, a rejuvenated middle order led by Sharma, and a bowling attack that has found its rhythm at the right time, the team looks poised to end their long wait for an IPL trophy. For Jitesh Sharma, this match was a defining moment, proving that he is not just a finisher but a game-changer in the truest sense. The question now is, can RCB ride this wave of form to clinch the elusive IPL title in 2025? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—Jitesh Sharma has cemented his name in IPL folklore with this unforgettable performance.