RCB carve history to storm into Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025

It was history in the making at the Ekana Stadium as RCB rose up to the challenged and picked up a terrific win over the Lucknow Super Giants, becoming the first time in IPL history to win all their away matches in a season. RCB's 6-wicket win also saw them finish in the top two positions on the points table, giving them two shots at making the summit clash.

Earlier, Jitesh Sharma won his second consecutive toss and opted to field first. RCB had two changes to their side. They brought in Liam Livingstone in place of an injured Tim David while Nuwan Thushara got his first RCB cap in place of Lungi Ngidi, who departed for national duties.

It was an excellent debut for the Sri Lankan speedster as he had LSG on a string in a spell that only cost him 26 runs while rewarding him a crucial wicket. RCB had a fine start as they were able to get the better of Matthew Breetzke (14) in no time. However, things went downhill for the RCB bowlers from thereon.

Rishabh Pant’s extraordinary century (118*) combined with Mitchell Marsh’s tempestuous 67 left RCB with a lot to desire for. Pant stayed till the end as LSG totted up a monumental total of 227/3 from their allotment of 20 overs. Nuwan Thushara was the pick of the bowling lot for RCB.

RCB got off to a feisty start as Phil Salt (30) and Virat Kohli (54) knew that the powerplay was key for RCB to shoot down history. Salt and Kohli both played the role of aggressors with almost identical intent. However, the fall of Salt created a handful of challenges for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Rajat Patidar (14) and Liam Livingstone (0) were back to the pavilion in quick succession, allowing LSG to open a window of opportunity.

Avesh Khan’s strike of Virat Kohli complicated matters further with a commentator even stating that the fall of Kohli could very well have sealed the game. However, RCB’s captain, Jitesh Sharma had diametrically different plans. Jitesh Sharma walked out to an almost insurmountable challenge but was soon down to work, carving glory like never before.

Mayank Agarwal played the perfect two-to-tango with an anchoring knock of 41 that saw him smashing five fours while Jitesh continued his unparalleled assault. Sharma had a couple of lifelines going his way but he made the most of it and condemned LSG to another damning defeat as RCB carved history.

Jitesh stayed unbeaten for 85 off 33 balls, whacking eight fours and six sixes, a knock that saw RCB registering their highest ever chase in IPL. With this victory, RCB also booked themselves a qualifier spot after nine years. Jitesh Sharma also won the Player of the Match award for his incredible match-winning knock.