In a high-octane showdown at the Ekana Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pulled off one of the most stunning chases in IPL history, thanks to a blistering unbeaten 85 from stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma and a classy 54 by Virat Kohli. Chasing an imposing 228 against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), RCB stormed to victory by six wickets, wrapping up the innings in just 18.4 overs in Match 70 of IPL 2025.
With this electrifying win, RCB not only completed the third-highest successful chase in IPL history, but also secured second place in the points table, setting up a high-stakes Qualifier 1 clash against Punjab Kings.
Pant’s Century Goes in Vain
Earlier, LSG’s captain Rishabh Pant delivered a thunderous knock — an unbeaten 118 off 61 balls — in a stellar return to form. His innings, laced with 11 boundaries and 8 sixes, helped LSG post a formidable 226/3. He shared a 142-run second-wicket stand with the in-form Mitchell Marsh (67 off 37), who surpassed the 600-run mark for the season. Despite Pant’s heroics, he became only the second player in IPL history after KL Rahul to remain unbeaten on a century and still end up on the losing side.
Kohli, Salt Set the Tone; Jitesh Seals the Deal
RCB’s chase began with fireworks as Phil Salt (30 off 19) and Virat Kohli (54 off 29) stitched together a rapid 61-run opening stand. Kohli, in sublime touch, brought up his eighth half-century of the season, crossing the 9000-run milestone in IPL history.
RCB briefly wobbled at 123/4 after quick wickets, including Kohli’s tame dismissal. But what followed was pure brilliance — Jitesh Sharma launched a fearless assault, smashing 8 fours and 6 sixes in his match-defining knock. With 28 needed off the final three overs, Sharma turned the tide with a 21-run over off Will O’Rourke, including back-to-back sixes.
Mayank Agarwal provided steady support with an unbeaten 41 off 23 balls, as the duo’s 107-run partnership finished the job in style. Sharma fittingly sealed the win with a massive six off Ayush Badoni, capping off a night of sensational strokeplay.
Match Highlights:
Lucknow Super Giants – 226/3 in 20 overs
• Rishabh Pant – 118* (61)
• Mitchell Marsh – 67 (37)
• Nuwan Thushara – 1/26
Royal Challengers Bengaluru – 230/4 in 18.4 overs
• Jitesh Sharma – 85* (33)
• Virat Kohli – 54 (29)
• Mayank Agarwal – 41* (23)
• Will O’Rourke – 2/74
RCB now heads into the playoffs brimming with momentum, while Pant’s brilliance remains a bittersweet note for LSG fans. This match will be remembered as one of the most dramatic finishes of the 2025 IPL season.
