LSG vs RCB, IPL 2025 Highlights: Jitesh Sharma’s Super Knock Powers RCB to Top-2 Finish Despite Rishabh Pant’s Century

LSG vs RCB, IPL 2025 Highlights: Jitesh Sharma’s Super Knock Powers RCB to Top-2 Finish Despite Rishabh Pant’s Century

In a thrilling end to the IPL 2025 league stage, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pulled off their highest-ever successful run chase, chasing down a mammoth 228 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to secure a top-two finish on the points table. The match, held at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, saw stunning performances from both sides, with RCB emerging victorious by six wickets with eight balls to spare.

LSG, led by captain Rishabh Pant, posted their highest-ever IPL total of 227/3 in 20 overs, thanks to Pant’s scintillating 118 off 61 balls. It was a spectacular innings filled with aggression and control, highlighting Pant's true potential. However, the heroics of Jitesh Sharma overshadowed Pant’s brilliance. Jitesh played a sensational knock of 85 off just 33 deliveries, guiding RCB to 230/4 in 18.4 overs. His explosive hitting in the death overs turned the tide firmly in RCB’s favour, leaving the home crowd stunned.

Virat Kohli also contributed with a crucial half-century, scoring 50 off 27 balls. During the match, he achieved multiple milestones — becoming the first player to score 9,000 runs for a single IPL franchise, recording the most IPL fifties (63), and becoming the only batter to score over 600 runs in five IPL seasons. Although he fell at a critical stage, his foundation allowed the middle order to finish the job.

There was drama on the field too. Jitesh Sharma survived a 'Mankad' attempt by Digvesh Rathi, thanks to Rishabh Pant’s sportsmanship in withdrawing the appeal. A no-ball by Digvesh also gifted RCB a free-hit, which Jitesh sent out of the park to bring up his maiden IPL fifty. The final flourish came with Jitesh smashing a six to seal the match and RCB’s top-two berth.

With this win, RCB confirmed their place in Qualifier 1, where they will face Punjab Kings on May 29. Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians will clash in the Eliminator on May 30. Despite LSG’s valiant effort and Pant’s exceptional hundred, their campaign ended in heartbreak, marked by injuries and missed opportunities.

The 2025 IPL league phase concludes with RCB peaking at the right time, winning all seven of their away matches, and with multiple match-winners emerging throughout the season. As the playoffs begin, the big question remains — can RCB finally go all the way?