• Royal Challengers Bangalore scripted history against Lucknow Super Giants in Match 70 of the IPL 2025.

  • Stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma led RCB from the front with an unbeaten 85 off just 33 balls.

Fans go wild as Jitesh Sharma’s fireworks guide RCB to Qualifier 1 in historic run chase against LSG
Jitesh Sharma (Image Source: X)

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Royal Challengers Bangalore scripted a historic night in Lucknow, achieving their highest-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) chase by overcoming a daunting target of 228 against Lucknow Super Giants. Stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma led from the front with an unbeaten 85 off just 33 balls, delivering a breathtaking performance that electrified the crowd. Virat Kohli’s quickfire fifty set the platform, while Mayank Agarwal’s steady partnership ensured momentum.

This remarkable victory not only secured RCB’s spot in Qualifier 1 but also ended their nine-year wait to finish inside the top two of the points table. Lucknow’s Rishabh Pant scored a magnificent 118, but his efforts couldn’t prevent LSG from slipping to seventh place. RCB will now face Punjab Kings in the playoffs with renewed confidence and home-like momentum, having won all seven away matches this season.

Jitesh Sharma’s masterclass powers RCB to a record chase

Jitesh’s innings was a flawless display of power hitting and composure under pressure. Coming in after Kohli’s dismissal, Jitesh blazed his way to a match-winning 85 not out with eight sixes and six boundaries, smashing his maiden IPL fifty in a mere 22 balls. His aggressive assault particularly targeted left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed and pacer Will O’Rourke, who conceded 74 runs in a dismal four-over spell. Jitesh’s ability to accelerate in the death overs was crucial, especially during the 18th over when he scored 20 runs off O’Rourke.  Mayank Agarwal’s steady 43 off 34 deliveries complemented Jitesh’s aggression perfectly, building a vital 107-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Jitesh’s leadership improved as the innings progressed, guiding RCB to a historic win and earning him Player of the Match honors.

Rishabh Pant’s Heroics with the bat go in vain 

Kohli’s blistering 54 off 30 balls set an aggressive tone early on, including a world record for becoming the first batter to score 9,000 runs for a single franchise in T20 cricket. Opening alongside Phil Salt, they amassed 61 runs in just 5.4 overs, exploiting a weakened LSG bowling attack. However, LSG fought back with key wickets from Will O’Rourke, who dismissed Rajat Patidar and Liam Livingstone in quick succession.

Earlier Pant’s valiant 118 off 61 balls, his first IPL century in seven years , Lucknow’s bowlers struggled to contain the relentless RCB chase. Pant’s innings, including a crucial 50 partnership with Mitchell Marsh, was a bright spot for LSG but ultimately wasn’t enough. The defeat relegated Lucknow to seventh place, ending their playoff hopes despite a strong finish to their league campaign.

Also WATCH: IPL 2025: LSG captain Rishabh Pant marks return to form with blazing ton and ‘Somersault’ celebration vs RCB

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Also READ: Fans erupt in jubilation as Rishabh Pant breaks IPL 2025 jinx with a 54-ball century for LSG vs RCB

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