Royal Challengers Bengaluru Clinch Thrilling Victory Over Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025
RCB Secures Top Two Spot with a Stunning Win
In a nail-biting encounter, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) triumphed over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by six wickets, ensuring their position among the top two in the IPL 2025 standings. Captain Jitesh Sharma delivered an outstanding performance, scoring an unbeaten 85 runs off just 33 balls, propelling RCB to second place and setting up a Qualifier 1 match against Punjab Kings.
After the match, RCB's Mayank Agarwal commended Jitesh's remarkable innings, highlighting their straightforward approach while chasing a challenging target of 228 runs.
"There wasn't much to discuss. My role was to give him the strike. Jitesh put on an incredible display. Words can't capture his performance. We were just strategizing, knowing Digvesh had one over left. We aimed for 10 runs off him. The pitch was favorable for fast bowlers, and Jitesh executed perfectly. This builds confidence and momentum... unlike our last game. When I came in, we had lost two quick wickets, but it was great that Virat and I could score quickly. Ultimately, it was about one batsman staying till the end. I'm pleased we managed to chase them down."
Agarwal also played a vital role, contributing 41 runs off 23 balls, forming a crucial 107-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Jitesh. Earlier, Virat Kohli had set the pace with a brisk 54 runs off 30 balls, keeping RCB's chase alive despite some middle-order setbacks.
RCB Successfully Chases 228 Runs in 18.4 Overs
Lucknow Super Giants had set a formidable target of 227 runs, thanks to Rishabh Pant's spectacular 118 runs off 61 balls, supported by Mitchell Marsh's 67 runs off 37 balls. However, RCB made the chase look effortless with an explosive batting display led by Jitesh Sharma.
RCB concluded their innings at 230 runs for 4 wickets in just 18.4 overs, as the LSG bowling attack faltered under pressure. Will O’Rourke had a tough outing, conceding 74 runs in his four overs, while Akash Singh and Avesh Khan struggled to contain the RCB batsmen.
With this victory, RCB climbed to second place in the standings and is set to face Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1. Despite Pant's heroic century, Lucknow Super Giants finished seventh on the points table with six wins and eight losses.