In a pulsating clash at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium, Lucknow, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) chased down a massive 228-run target to defeat Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by six wickets, sealing their spot in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025, where they will be up against Punjab Kings in New Chandigarh on May 30.
After RCB opted to bowl first, LSG posted a formidable total of 227/3. Mitchell Marsh starred with a blistering 67 off 37 balls, peppered with 4 fours and 5 sixes, while skipper Rishabh Pant played a captain’s knock, remaining unbeaten on 118 off 61 balls with 11 fours and 8 sixes at a strike rate of 193.44. Nicholas Pooran added a quick-fire 13 before being dismissed. Despite the onslaught, RCB bowlers held their nerve, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar picking up a crucial wicket.
RCB’s chase was led by Virat Kohli’s masterclass innings of 54 off 30 balls, maintaining a blistering strike rate of 180.00. Mayank Agarwal and Jitesh Sharma then finished the job with a stunning partnership. Mayank’s 41* off 23 and Jitesh’s explosive 85* off 33 (8 fours, 6 sixes) sealed the win with eight balls to spare. Akash Singh and William O’Rourke provided breakthroughs for LSG, but they couldn’t stop the RCB juggernaut.
This win takes RCB straight into Qualifier 1. The match witnessed fireworks from both sides, but RCB’s batting depth, especially the late-order blitz from skipper Jitesh Sharma, made the difference.
RCB’s aggressive chase of 230 is a testament to their fearless brand of cricket this season. LSG, despite Pant’s valiant ton, will rue the missed chances and the inability to contain RCB’s batting line-up.
Rishabh Pant withdraws Mankad run-out against Jitesh Sharma
Here are the milestones achieved during LSG vs RCB, Match 70 of IPL 2025:
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Virat Kohli : Completed 9,000 runs for RCB.
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Chased their highest total in IPL – 228
- Rishabh Pant: Scored his second century in IPL.
