RCB Stun LSG in High-Scoring Thriller, Seal Victory with Jitesh Sharma’s Blitz
Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Lucknow Super Giants – The Ekana Cricket Stadium witnessed one of the most explosive matches of IPL 2025 as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) chased down a mammoth target of 228 against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) with 8 balls to spare. The star of the night was Jitesh Sharma, who played an extraordinary unbeaten knock of 85 runs off just 33 balls, guiding RCB to a record-breaking win.
First Innings – Pant & Marsh Take LSG to 227/3
Winning the toss and opting to bat first, Lucknow Super Giants got off to a steady start but truly exploded in the middle overs. Rishabh Pant led from the front with a breathtaking 118 off 61 balls* (11 fours, 8 sixes), his first century of the season. He found perfect support in Mitchell Marsh, who smashed 67 off 37 balls.
The duo’s 152-run partnership set the tone for a commanding total of 227/3 in 20 overs. Despite the carnage, RCB’s bowlers found it hard to contain the flow of runs, with only Nuwan Thushara standing out with figures of 1/26.
Second Innings – Kohli’s Class, Jitesh’s Carnage
RCB’s chase began positively, with Phil Salt (30 off 19) and Virat Kohli (54 off 30) keeping the asking rate within reach. However, the game truly turned in RCB’s favor when Jitesh Sharma walked in.
The wicketkeeper-batter unleashed an onslaught on the LSG bowlers, smashing boundaries at will and maintaining a strike rate of over 250. His fearless hitting reduced the target from 100 needed off 48 balls to a mere formality in the final overs.
Mayank Agarwal (41* off 23) provided calm support at the other end, ensuring no hiccups in the chase. RCB eventually crossed the line at 230/4 in 18.4 overs, securing a six-wicket win.
Bowling Woes for LSG
LSG’s bowlers had a forgettable night. Will O’Rourke was taken apart for 74 runs in his four overs despite picking up two wickets. The rest of the attack, barring Thushara, struggled with line and length against RCB’s relentless batting.
Key Moments
- Pant’s Century: A flawless innings showcasing timing and power.
- Jitesh’s Match-Winning Knock: 85* off 33 balls – one of the fastest and most impactful innings of the season.
- Record Away Wins: RCB became the first team in IPL 2025 to win all their away league matches.
Score Summary
LSG – 227/3 (20 overs): Pant 118*, Marsh 67, Thushara 1/26
RCB – 230/4 (18.4 overs): Jitesh 85*, Kohli 54, Agarwal 41*
Result – RCB won by 6 wickets.
Player of the Match – Jitesh Sharma (RCB)
With this win, RCB not only displayed their batting depth but also sent a strong message to rivals ahead of the playoffs – no total is safe when they are in the mood.