Royal Challengers Bengaluru pulled off a stunning six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants, chasing down a daunting 228 with eight balls to spare—registering the third-highest successful run chase in IPL history. Stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma played a sensational knock, smashing 85 off just 33 balls*, to take RCB into Qualifier 1, where they will meet Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh.
Jitesh Sharma of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) roars in triumph after sealing a historic run chase against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025. His unbeaten 85 off 33 balls powered RCB into Qualifier 1 in a thrilling finish.
Earlier, Rishabh Pant lit up the evening with a breathtaking 118 off 61 balls*, laced with 11 fours and 8 sixes. His unbeaten effort, backed by Mitchell Marsh’s 67, propelled LSG to a formidable 227/3. Despite this, LSG’s total wasn’t enough on a night where RCB’s firepower rose to the occasion.
Kohli, Salt Lay the Groundwork
Virat Kohli (54) and Phil Salt (quick-fire 20s) gave RCB a flying start, racing to 50/0 in just four overs. Kohli brought up his half-century off 27 balls before falling to Avesh Khan, leaving RCB needing 105 from 52 balls.
O’Rourke’s Brief Fightback
Will O’Rourke came back after an expensive first over to pick two quick wickets—Rajat Patidar and Liam Livingstone—reviving LSG’s hopes momentarily. But Kohli’s departure soon after left RCB at a crossroads.
Jitesh’s Blitz Turns the Tide
With the chase getting tight, Jitesh turned aggressor. Partnering with Mayank Agarwal (41*), he first took on O’Rourke and then tore into Shahbaz Ahmed for 21 runs in one over. His 22-ball fifty, including a six off a free-hit after a no-ball controversy, marked his maiden IPL half-century.
In a moment of drama, Jitesh narrowly escaped a run-out appeal after Digvesh Rathi pulled out during his delivery stride and broke the stumps. The TV umpire ruled Jitesh not out, citing Rathi had completed his delivery stride.
Finishing in Style
Jitesh wasn’t done. With 28 needed off the final 18 balls, he hammered O’Rourke for two fours and two sixes, then sealed the game with a slog-swept six off Ayush Badoni.
Pant’s Masterclass in Vain
Despite LSG’s defeat, the night belonged in part to Rishabh Pant. Promoted to No. 3, he unleashed his full range—flicks, pulls, one-handed sixes, and a celebratory frontflip on reaching his century. His 152-run stand with Marsh powered LSG to a mammoth score, but it went in vain.
Questionable Bowling Strategy
RCB’s decision to delay Bhuvneshwar Kumar‘s introduction until the fifth over raised eyebrows, especially as Nuwan Thushara had already swung one past Matthew Breetzke. By the time Bhuvneshwar bowled, the swing had vanished.
Jitesh, as captain, may have mismanaged his bowlers—Krunal Pandya bowled just two overs, and Romario Shepherd conceded 51—but his heroics with the bat more than made up for it.