IPL 2025: Jitesh Sharma & Virat Kohli Power Royal Challengers Bengaluru To 6-Wicket Win Over Lucknow Super Giants; Will Face Punjab Kings In Qualifier 1

In a pulsating contest at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched a thrilling 6-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), chasing down a massive target of 228 with 8 balls to spare. The win ensures RCB a top-two finish in the IPL 2025 league standings and a berth in Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings.

LSG put up a daunting total of 227/3 in their 20 overs, thanks to a scintillating century by captain Rishabh Pant, who hammered 118 runs off 61 balls, peppered with 11 boundaries and 8 sixes. He found strong support from Mitchell Marsh, who blazed his way to 67 off 37 balls, smashing 4 fours and 5 sixes. Despite the onslaught, RCB’s Nuwan Thushara stood out with a disciplined spell, conceding just 26 runs in his 4 overs and picking up the key wicket of Matthew Breetzke. His effort kept LSG from crossing the 240-mark.

In reply, RCB began strongly with Virat Kohli once again leading from the front. The former India captain crafted a classy 54 off 30 balls, laced with 10 boundaries, setting the tone for the chase. But it was Jitesh Sharma who stole the show with a match-winning knock of 85 runs off just 33 balls, featuring 8 boundaries and 6 towering sixes. His fearless hitting dismantled the LSG bowling attack and swung the momentum decisively in RCB’s favor. RCB reached 230/4 in just 18.4 overs, delivering a powerful statement ahead of the playoffs. For LSG, Will O’Rourke took 2 wickets but was expensive, conceding 74 runs in his 4 overs, the most by any bowler in the match.