In a breathtaking display of batting prowess, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched a historic victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their final league stage match of IPL 2025 at the Ekana Cricket Stadium. Chasing a mammoth target of 228, RCB not only secured a thrilling win but also etched their name in the record books as the first team to win all away matches in a single IPL season.
Opting to bowl first after losing the toss, RCB faced a fiery onslaught from LSG’s resurgent wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant. Pant, returning to top form, smashed his second IPL century, reaching the milestone in a blistering 54 balls. This knock marked the fastest century by an LSG batter and was his first hundred since his unbeaten 128 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2018. Supported by Mitchell Marsh, who contributed a rapid 67 off 37 balls, Pant forged a destructive 152-run partnership in just 78 balls, propelling LSG to a daunting 227/3.
RCB’s chase started on a confident note with a solid 61-run opening stand between Virat Kohli and his partner. Kohli, in sublime touch, scored a fluent 54, laying a strong foundation for the middle order. However, the match took a dramatic turn in the 17th over when LSG’s Digvesh Rathi attempted a controversial Mankad dismissal of RCB’s Jitesh Sharma, who was caught out of his crease. In a rare display of sportsmanship, LSG captain Rishabh Pant withdrew the appeal, allowing Jitesh to continue—a moment that would prove pivotal.
Seizing his second chance, Jitesh Sharma unleashed a match-defining assault, remaining unbeaten on 85 off 33 balls to notch his maiden IPL fifty. He found an able ally in Mayank Agarwal, who scored an unbeaten 41 off 27 balls. Together, they stitched an explosive, unbeaten 107-run partnership in just 45 balls, guiding RCB to 231/3 in the final over. This victory marked RCB’s highest successful chase in IPL history, surpassing their previous record of 226 against Punjab Kings in 2010.
With this emphatic win, RCB cemented their position in the top two of the IPL 2025 standings, earning a direct ticket to Qualifier 1 where they will face a formidable Punjab Kings. This advantageous position offers RCB two opportunities to reach the IPL final—a testament to their consistency throughout the season. Their unbeaten away record, winning all matches outside their home ground at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, adds another feather to their cap, showcasing their adaptability and resilience.
As the playoffs loom, RCB enters as one of the favorites, with their batting firepower and newfound confidence on the road. Will they continue their dream run and lift the coveted IPL trophy that has eluded them since the tournament’s inception in 2008? Only time will tell, but for now, the stage is set for an electrifying clash in Qualifier 1.