Jitesh Sharma’s unbeaten 85 runs off 33 balls powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a convincing victory over Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025’s final league match on Tuesday, successfully chasing down 228 runs. The win secured RCB’s second position in the points table and a spot in Qualifier 1, while his post-match celebration, reminiscent of Avesh Khan’s previous season’s helmet throw, caught significant attention.The match’s conclusion was marked by Sharma’s celebration, where he threw his helmet skyward after securing the victory. This celebration drew immediate comparisons to Avesh Khan’s similar gesture from the previous season, particularly as it occurred against Khan’s team.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!The victory’s implications extend beyond the match result, as it has shaped the playoff scenario. RCB will now face table-toppers Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1, while Gujarat Titans, who dropped to third place, will compete against Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator.Sharma’s explosive innings, featuring six sixes and eight fours, proved decisive in RCB’s pursuit of the challenging target. His unbroken partnership of 107 runs with Mayank Agarwal, who contributed 41 not out from 23 deliveries, guided the team to victory with eight balls remaining.The chase was initially set up by Virat Kohli’s quick-fire 54 runs from 30 balls before Sharma and Agarwal took control of the innings. The duo’s partnership demonstrated aggressive batting, systematically dismantling LSG’s bowling attack.Lucknow Super Giants’ innings was highlighted by Pant’s outstanding performance, scoring an unbeaten 118 runs from 61 deliveries. His innings included 11 fours and eight sixes, forming a crucial 152-run second-wicket partnership with Mitchell Marsh, who scored 67 runs off 39 balls.The LSG bowling unit struggled throughout the match, with Will O’Rourke conceding 74 runs, marking the most expensive bowling figures in LSG’s IPL history. The other bowlers also failed to contain RCB’s aggressive batting approach.The match showcased contrasting bowling performances, with LSG’s attack unable to defend a substantial total of 228 runs. Despite Pant’s century and Marsh’s half-century providing a strong foundation, LSG’s bowling limitations proved costly in the crucial encounter.RCB’s chase demonstrated tactical acumen, with different batsmen taking responsibility at various stages. Kohli’s initial assault was followed by Sharma and Agarwal’s calculated aggression, ensuring the required run rate remained within reach throughout the innings.
The result marked RCB’s ninth victory of the season, solidifying their position among the top teams. Their successful chase of such a high target has established them as serious contenders for the IPL 2025 title.The match’s significance was amplified by its status as the final league game, directly impacting the playoff qualifications and matchups. The outcome has set up intriguing contests in both Qualifier 1 and the eliminator, promising exciting cricket in the tournament’s knockout phase.
Get IPL 2025 match schedules, squads, points table, and live scores for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
