IPL 2025Cricket HighlightsCricket NewsIndian Cricket PlayersIndian Premier LeagueIPLIPL HighlightsIPL NewsIPL UpdatesJitesh SharmaLucknow Super GiantsMatch HighlightsRishabh PantRoyal Challengers Bengaluru
Jitesh Sharma’s Power-Packed 85* Secures RCB’s Place in Qualifier 1 After High-Scoring Thriller
RCB Seals Qualifier 1 Spot with Record Chase Against LSG
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stormed into Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025 with a scintillating six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a high-voltage clash that saw 457 runs scored. Despite a heroic century from LSG skipper Rishabh Pant, Jitesh Sharma’s breathtaking 85* off just 33 deliveries overshadowed all performances and guided RCB to their highest-ever successful IPL chase.
Pant’s unbeaten 118 off 61 balls, laced with 11 boundaries and 8 sixes, appeared match-defining until Jitesh, captaining in place of Faf du Plessis, turned the game on its head with an innings full of audacity and flair.
Match Overview: RCB Triumphs in a Run-Fest
LSG Posts Mammoth Total Despite Late Wickets
Put in to bat, Lucknow Super Giants made the most of a good batting surface. After losing debutant Matthew Breetzke early to Nuwan Thushara, Pant and Mitchell Marsh built a commanding 152-run stand for the second wicket. Marsh contributed a solid 67, while Pant unleashed a carnage that peaked with a spectacular cartwheel celebration upon reaching his century.
RCB’s bowling lacked sting during the middle and death overs, especially with Romario Shepherd and Yash Dayal conceding heavily. Thushara, however, stood out with disciplined figures of 1 for 26, providing the only semblance of control.
Jitesh Sharma’s Onslaught Takes RCB Over the Line
RCB’s chase began with intent. Phil Salt and Virat Kohli launched the innings with an aggressive 66-run powerplay. Kohli’s 54 off 30 balls was vital in the first half, but the match turned after his dismissal when Jitesh Sharma took center stage.
From 123 for 4, Jitesh and Mayank Agarwal (20*) stitched together an unbroken 107-run partnership. Jitesh showcased stunning strokeplay, including four sixes and four fours in the final four overs, eventually finishing the chase with a towering six off Ayush Badoni with 8 balls to spare.
👉 Read our in-depth analysis of Virat Kohli’s IPL 2025 performance so far
Key Match Phases
LSG Innings Breakdown
Powerplay: Early Strike, Steady Recovery
Lucknow’s innings started with some drama as debutant Breetzke was hit on the helmet and then bowled by a searing yorker from Thushara. However, Pant and Marsh gradually lifted the scoring rate, ending the powerplay at 55/1.
Middle Overs: Pant and Marsh Dominate
The duo launched a brutal assault during the middle overs. Pant reached his fifty in just 29 balls, and Marsh wasn’t far behind with his own half-century in 31. They propelled LSG to 164/1 in 14 overs.
Death Overs: Pant’s Ton Lifts LSG to 227
Though Marsh fell to Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Pant continued the assault. He reached his century with ease and added crucial runs in the final overs, taking LSG to an imposing 227/3.
RCB’s Chase in Detail
Opening Momentum with Kohli-Salt Stand
RCB came out swinging, scoring at 11 runs per over during the powerplay. Phil Salt’s quick 30 and Kohli’s composed fifty set the tone.
Middle Overs: Wickets Fall, Pressure Builds
Rajat Patidar and Liam Livingstone fell in quick succession, putting RCB in a tricky situation at 123 for 4. But Jitesh Sharma’s entry changed the complexion of the game.
Final Push: Jitesh Blasts RCB into Qualifier 1
Jitesh smashed his way to a 22-ball fifty. He was reprieved on 49 due to a back-foot no-ball and made the most of it. His assault on O’Rourke, who ended with 2 for 74, sealed the deal in dramatic fashion.
What’s Next?
RCB will now face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in Qualifier 1 on May 29 in Mullanpur, aiming for a spot in the IPL 2025 final. LSG, meanwhile, bow out of the tournament despite Rishabh Pant’s stellar individual campaign.
📘 For more insights into the playoff race, check out this IPL 2025 Points Table and Knockout Scenario from ESPNcricinfo.
