IPL 2025, RCB vs LSG: Royal Challengers Bengaluru secure top-two finish as Lucknow Super Giants fall short

Bengaluru: A breathtaking counter-assault led by skipper Jitesh Sharma (85 not out off 33 balls) powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) to a dramatic six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the final league match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) here on Tuesday.

Chasing a formidable 228-run target set up by a rejuvenated Rishabh Pant, RCB finished at 230 for 4 in just 18.4 overs, securing the win with eight balls to spare in a high-octane clash that had no bearing on LSG’s already extinguished playoff hopes, but RCB finished in top-two position.

At one stage, RCB were in a spot of bother at 123 for 4 after the dismissals of Virat Kohli (54), Rajat Patidar (14), and Liam Livingstone (0) in quick succession. But what followed was an onslaught of the highest order.

Jitesh Sharma, who took over captaincy midway through the season, rose to the occasion with a fearless knock that stunned the LSG camp. His unbeaten 85 came off just 33 deliveries and featured 8 boundaries and 6 towering sixes, all struck with surgical precision. Alongside Mayank Agarwal (41* off 23 balls), Jitesh forged a match-winning 107-run partnership for the fifth wicket, turning the tide in spectacular fashion.

Jitesh brought up his half-century in just 21 balls and continued his assault, dismantling LSG pacers William O’Rourke and Ayush Badoni with disdain. His onslaught ensured RCB never allowed the required run rate to spiral out of reach.

The foundation of the chase was laid by Virat Kohli, who struck a fluent 54 off 30 deliveries, decorated with 10 crisply timed fours. Kohli anchored the innings after the early departure of Philip Salt (30 off 19), who had given RCB a brisk start.

Rajat Patidar provided a quick cameo but was dismissed trying to maintain the tempo, while Liam Livingstone’s stay lasted just one ball. Kohli’s own dismissal in the 12th over left RCB teetering, but the Agarwal-Jitesh stand sealed the chase in stunning fashion.

Earlier, Rishabh Pant delivered one of the finest knocks of the season, smashing an unbeaten 118 off 61 balls to propel LSG to 227 for 3. The left-hander, who had managed just 151 runs in 13 innings this season prior to this game, rediscovered his touch with a display of audacious stroke play.

Pant's innings, laced with 11 fours and 8 sixes, came alive in the middle overs as he punished the RCB bowlers with relentless aggression. His celebratory backflip upon reaching the century instantly became a viral moment, symbolising both relief and flair after a personally challenging campaign.

The highlight of LSG’s innings was the 152-run stand between Pant and Mitchell Marsh (67 off 37 balls), which lifted the team from 42 for 1 to a daunting total. Marsh, too, was in fine touch, striking 6 fours and 4 sixes.

Matthew Breetzke (14) and Nicholas Pooran (13) fell early and late respectively, while Abdul Samad remained not out on 1.

RCB’s bowlers largely had an off day, with only Nuwan Thushara (1/26) emerging with credit. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/46) and Romario Shepherd (1/51) were expensive, while spinners Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma failed to make an impact.

Despite leaking runs, RCB’s batting unit compensated in style, chasing down a mammoth target at a run rate of 12.32.

The result has no impact on LSG’s fortunes, as they had already been eliminated from playoff contention after an earlier loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, it offered them a chance to sign off on a high – a chance they let slip.

As the league stage concludes, Jitesh Sharma’s explosive innings and Pant’s memorable ton will linger in memory as two standout performances in a game that exemplified the spirit and unpredictability of T20 cricket.