Jitesh Sharma’s Blazing 85 Powers RCB to Historic Chase Against LSG

In the final league match of IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 6 wickets, securing their spot in Qualifier 1. The match, held at Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow on May 27, 2025, was notable not only for the high-scoring chase but also for moments of sportsmanship and thrilling performances.

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Match Summary

• Venue: Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow
• Date: May 27, 2025
• Result: RCB won by 6 wickets
• LSG Score: 227/3 (20 overs)
• RCB Score: 230/4 (18.4 overs)

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LSG Innings: Pant’s Century

LSG, batting first, posted a formidable total of 227 runs for the loss of 3 wickets. Captain Rishabh Pant led the innings with an unbeaten 118 runs off 61 balls, including 11 fours and 8 sixes. Mitchell Marsh supported with a quick 67 off 37 deliveries, setting a challenging target for RCB.

In the final league match of IPL 2025, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) posted a formidable total of 227/3 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), thanks to a spectacular unbeaten century by captain Rishabh Pant. Pant’s 118 off 61 balls, featuring 11 fours and 8 sixes, marked a significant turnaround in his season, as he had accumulated only 151 runs in the previous 13 matches .

Pant’s innings was characterized by aggressive stroke play and strategic partnerships, notably with Mitchell Marsh, who contributed a brisk 67 off 37 deliveries. Their combined efforts propelled LSG to their highest total of the season. Pant’s performance not only showcased his leadership but also reaffirmed his status as a premier batsman in the league.

Despite this commanding total, RCB managed to chase down the target, winning the match by 6 wickets. Following the match, Pant announced plans to take a short break before focusing on preparations for the upcoming England Test tour .

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RCB Innings: Jitesh’s Heroics

RCB’s chase began positively, but a few quick wickets in the middle overs added pressure. Stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma rose to the occasion, scoring an unbeaten 85 runs from just 33 balls, steering the team to victory. Virat Kohli also contributed significantly with a 54-run knock off 30 balls.

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Key Moments

1. Mankading Incident and Sportsmanship
   In the 17th over, LSG’s bowler Digvijay Rathi ran out Jitesh Sharma at the non-striker’s end. However, LSG captain Rishabh Pant withdrew the appeal, showcasing commendable sportsmanship.
2. No-Ball Lifeline and Fifty
   In the same over, Jitesh was caught on a delivery that was later deemed a no-ball. Capitalizing on the reprieve, he went on to complete his half-century with a six.
3. Pant’s One-Handed Six
   During LSG’s innings, Pant hit a remarkable one-handed six off Suyash Sharma, which was caught by a security guard beyond the boundary, delighting the spectators.
4. O’Rourke’s Missed Hat-Trick
   RCB’s bowler William O’Rourke took two wickets in consecutive deliveries during the 8th over but missed out on a hat-trick in the 14th over. Despite conceding 74 runs, his two wickets were crucial in the context of the match.

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Records and Achievements

RCB achieved the third-highest successful run chase in IPL history.

Jitesh Sharma’s unbeaten 85 runs off 33 balls marked a memorable performance under his captaincy.

RCB became the first team in IPL history to win all seven of their away matches in a single season.

Conclusion

This match was memorable not just for the high scores but also for the display of sportsmanship and thrilling cricket. RCB’s victory secured them a place in Qualifier 1, where they will face Punjab Kings on May 29, 2025. LSG, on the other hand, will reflect on this match as they prepare for the next season.