Credit: BCCI/IPL
In the 70th and final league game of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season between Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at the Ekana cricket stadium, Lucknow on 27th May 2025, RCB got a convincing 6-wicket victory in another successful run-chase. The win propelled RCB to the top 2 spots, giving them an extra advantage as the IPL playoffs edge close.
In the first innings LSG posted an imposing total of 227/3. The innings was headlined by a sensational knock from Rishabh Pant, who smashed an unbeaten 118 off 61 balls, marking his first IPL century in seven years. Pant's innings was laced with explosive strokes, including 11 fours and 8 sixes, anchoring the LSG innings after an early wicket. He was well supported by opener Mithell Marsh, who contributed a brisk 67 off 37 balls, helping LSG build early momentum.
RCB's bowling attack struggled to contain the aggressive LSG batting line-up, with their pacers in particular bearing the brunt. Despite trying different combinations, they couldn’t break the rhythm established by Pant. The inability to pick timely wickets and control the run rate meant RCB were left chasing a daunting target of 228.
Kohli crosses 9000-run mark with 8th IPL 2025 half-century against LSG
In response, RCB made a spirited approach to the chase with openers Virat Kohli and Phil Salt leading the charge with a solid 61-run opening partnership. In the process, Virat Kohli scored his 8th half-century of the IPL 2025 season also breaching the 9000 runs barrier for the Bangalore franchise and becoming the first ever batter to do so.
On departure of the opening duo, Mayank Agarwal and skipper Jitesh Sharma took charge of the innings stitching together an unbeaten 107-run partnership in 45 balls, completing a successful run-chase. Skipper Jitesh Sharma scored a well-deserved half-century scoring 85 off 33 balls. His knock was well-supported by Mayank Agarwal, who chipped in with a quick-fire 41 off 23 deliveries.
