The IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 match on May 29, 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cruised to an 8-wicket victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur. RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and opted to bowl first. That gamble paid off, as PBKS were bundled out for just 101 during 14.1 overs on a seam- and bounce-friendly pitch. Marcus Stoinis was PBKS's top scorer with 26 off 17 balls, while RCB's Suyash Sharma (3/17) and Josh Hazlewood (3/21) participated dominantly in the only significant phase of the PBKS innings. Yash Dayal (2/26) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1/17) ensured no batting partnerships batted longer than two overs. The total was PBKS's joint third-lowest in IPL playoff history. 

In attempting to defend such a low target, PBKS's bowling performance was less than satisfactory. RCB's Phil Salt (56* off 27) put on an exhibition during the powerplay for RCB, breaking the back of the chase by scoring quickly. While there was some early movement in the first ball with salt initially well  along with Mayank Agarwal (19 off 13), RCB reached 106/2 off just 10 to win the match.  Kyle Jamieson (1/27) and Musheer Khan (1/27) took wickets at late intervals but had little influence. This emphatic victory secured RCB's fourth IPL final, while PBKS will play in Qualifier 2. Here are the key reasons that PBKS lost to RCB.

1. Poor Batting Performance and Early Collapse

The Punjab Kings collapsed under pressure, scoring a mere 101 runs in 14.1 overs. With an inexperienced batting order in a high-pressure playoff game, they fell apart early. Key players Priyansh Arya (7 or 5) and Shreyas Iyer failed to give their team momentum. Marcus Stoinis was the highest scorer with 26 off 17. No batter put together a substantial innings, and Punjab had the joint third-lowest total in IPL playoff history. 

Also Read: IPL 2025, Qualifier 1: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Full Match Highlights

2. Ineffective Shot Selection and Inability to Adapt

The batters of Punjab Kings struggled with shot selection on a pitch that offered variable bounce, which even Shreyas Iyer echoed. The players like Shashank Singh premeditated high-risk shots (slog sweeping Suyash Sharma’s googly) and contributed to the scattering of the middle order (60/6). They couldn’t adjust to a bowler-friendly wicket, while RCB played with discipline, which made a big difference.

3. RCB’s Dominant Bowling Attack

RCB's bowlers bowled well according to the conditions, especially Josh Hazlewood (3/21) and Suyash Sharma (3/17). Hazlewood and Sharma demolished Punjab's batting order piece by piece, while Yash Dayal, with 2/26, along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar's 1/17, kept the pressure on without allowing Punjab to build a partnership. Punjab's bowlers couldn't replicate the relentlessness of RCB's bowlers, allowing RCB to chase down the runs in just 10 overs, ending with Phil Salt scoring 56 off 27 balls.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) comfortably defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by eight wickets in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. PBKS batted first and made only 101 runs in 14.1 overs under the pressure of the playoffs. Saw RCB advance to the final with a clinical performance, marking their return to the IPL finals after 9 years since their last appearance in 2016.

Punjab Kings Innings

Batting first, PBKS only managed 101 runs for the loss of 10 wickets in 14.1 overs despite Marcus Stoinis putting up a good fight for 26 runs off 17 balls. Azmatullah Omarzai and Prabhsimran Singh both contributed to the PBKS score with scores of 18 runs from 10 balls and 18 runs off 12 balls, respectively. For the bowlers of RCB, Suyash Sharma had an excellent outing, taking 3 wickets for only 17 runs off 3 overs. Josh Hazlewood took 3/21 off 3.1 overs, and Yash Dayal finished with 3 overs, preceded by 26 runs and 2 wickets.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Innings

RCB chased the target of 102 with ease, reaching 106/2 in just 10 overs. Phil Salt had a strike rate and innings-saving effort of 56 runs off just 27 balls. Mayank Agarwal added 19 runs off 13 balls, while Rajat Patidar finished with 15 runs from 8 balls to help RCB attack victory on PBKS. The bowlers of PBKS struggled Kyle Jamieson took 1 wicket for 27 runs off 3 overs, and Musheer Khan followed up with 1 wicket for 27 runs off 2 overs. Azmatullah Omarzai bowled for 1 over for 10 runs, taking no wickets. RCB put on a dominant display to enter into their IPL 2025 Final.

Also Read: Top 3 reasons why Punjab Kings Lost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025 Qualifier 1

PBKS vs RCB: Post Match Reactions

Suyash Sharma (Player of the Match): Suyash Sharma, the Player of the Match, credited his performance to a straightforward directive from the coaches to consistently attack the stumps. His googlies, leg spins, and flippers were devastating, and had he not received help from the pitch, clearly indicated by his 3/17 in 3 overs, Patidar wouldn’t have let him back on. Sharma felt the batters found it tough to identify his variations, particularly his stock googly. He looked forward to celebrating with his team on June 3rd, implying there would be a major event.

Rajat Patidar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru Captain): Rajat Patidar praised Suyash Sharma for consistently hitting the stumps, which Patidar called a key to his performance. He was careful as captain not to complicate the batsman learning Sharma’s googly. He provided a shout-out to Phil Salt’s explosive starts, saying it was good fortune to see them from the dugout. Finally, he thanked the passionate RCB fans and encouraged them for a championship celebration.

Phil Salt (RCB): Phil Salt was excited to qualify for finals on their first attempt. They accepted the challenging nature of the pitch with some movement early but credited quick reactions for avoiding any dismissals against Punjab’s new ball, especially from Arshdeep Singh. Salt described the play-travel-play schedule as a blessing, preventing overthinking during the tournament. The win, he said, provided crucial momentum for RCB heading into the tournament’s decisive phase.

Shreyas Iyer (Punjab Kings Captain): Shreyas Iyer made a case for a batting reconsideration when their low total became untenable for Punjab Kings. He acknowledged that the bounce was variable but refused the temptation to use it as an excuse, emphasizing that we must all be ‘professional’ and adapt. Iyer accepted his tactical decisions, despite the loss, and refused to lay the blame on their bowlers. He is optimistic and believes they have lost a battle but not the war and wants to return more strongly.

Also Read: [WATCH] Qualifier 1: Shreyas Iyer dismissed by Josh Hazlewood in PBKS vs RCB clash in IPL 2025

Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Match Scorecard

Punjab Kings - 101/10 (14.1 Overs)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru -106/4 (10 Overs)

In a thrilling finish to the First innings of IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Chandigarh, Josh Hazlewood of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) had delivered a memorable performance, and wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma had played an integral role. Hazlewood effectively ended the Punjab Kings (PBKS) innings at just 101 after dismissing Azmatullah Omarzai at 14.1 overs. Hazlewood bowled a length seam-up delivery over-the-wicket line on the fourth stump, and it held seam in and moved in a little as Omarzai stepped down to slog-sweep across the line, offering a thick outside edge that flew to Jitesh's right. Jitesh leapt athletically for a stunning one-handed catch, igniting wild celebrations and stamping RCB's position in this crunch playoff match.

RCB's disciplined bowling, by Hazlewood, with three wickets including Omarzai's with their final wicket, helped dissolve PBKS's batting lineup when support came from three from Suyash Sharma and two from Yash Dayal. RCB maximized the bounce and movement of the surface, and PBKS struggled to build an innings or partnerships, with Hazlewood's wicket capping the PBKS innings, and Jitesh's sensationally acrobatic catch also showed RCB's fielding had been sharp in supporting their bowling. The early dismissals and consistent pressure from RCB’s attack ensured PBKS could only muster 101, with just two batters reaching double figures, setting RCB a straightforward chase for a spot in the IPL 2025 final.

Watch the video here

Look this unbelievable catch by jitesh sharma❤️ #IPL2025 #Qualifier1 #JiteshSharma #rcb #rcbfans #RCBvsPBKS pic.twitter.com/XJYJvGJU3p

— Aditya kumar (@adityagupta_418) May 29, 2025

Also Read: [WATCH] Qualifier 1: Shreyas Iyer dismissed by Josh Hazlewood in PBKS vs RCB clash in IPL 2025

Current Match Situation: PBKS vs RCB 

PBKS were bowled out for 101 runs in 14.1 overs, and RCB only needed 102 runs to qualify for the final of IPL 2025. Jitesh Sharma took an outstanding one-handed catch off the bowling of Hazlewood to dismiss Omarzai, and in our opinion it concluded an impressive bowling performance. Hazlewood and Suyash Sharma each took three wickets, and Yash Dayal took two wickets; consequently, there is an opportunity for RCB's bowlers to pull off a commanding chase in this important Qualifier match, aided by Jitesh's brilliant fielding.

In a signature moment of the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Chandigarh, on May 24, Punjab Kings (PBKS) skipper Shreyas Iyer was dismissed by Josh Hazlewood of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). At 3.4 overs, Hazlewood bowled a back-of-a-length delivery, just around the fourth stump, that moved away and had a bit of bounce. Iyer followed through on his aggressive intention with a shot across the line and edged the ball to wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, which he caught fairly easily. This dismissal was Hazlewood’s fourth of Iyer in the IPL, a reminder of Iyer's ongoing issues with the Australian pacer. Virat Kohli's fiery celebration indicated how important that wicket was in this high-pressure playoff, as Iyer's exit for 2 runs derailed the PBKS skipper's start and provided RCB the ascendancy.

The effect of the wicket was soon felt throughout PBKS's innings as RCB's skillful bowlers capitalized on the opportunity presented to them. Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, and Suyash Sharma persistently hunted the PBKS batting coalition, which struggled to recover from conceding captain Iyer's wicket in a disorganized and erratic manner. The loss of Iyer forced PBKS into survival mode, failing to develop partnerships against RCB’s tight lines and effective use of the bounce of the pitch. This pivotal moment shifted momentum firmly toward RCB, who maintained their dominance, positioning themselves for a direct entry to the IPL 2025 final.

Watch the video here

Josh is soooo back! 🔥

pic.twitter.com/LuUVqU9drF

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 29, 2025

Also Read: [WATCH] Qualifier 1: Jitesh Sharma’s stunning catch off Hazlewood seals PBKS’s fate in PBKS vs RCB Clash in IPL 2025

Current Match Situation: PBKS vs RCB 

At the end of 10 overs, PBKS looked good at 77/8. Iyer's early dismissal disrupted a decent start by the Punjab Knight Riders, but the batting order quickly collapsed due to Hazlewood, Dayal, and Suyash Sharma (two wickets each), and Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up one wicket. Marcus Stoinis's wicket has left Azmatullah Omarzai and the tail enders with plenty of work to do to post a decent total. RCB bowlers are in control and are now well positioned to book their spot for the IPL 2025 final with their early breakthrough.

We have now entered the IPL 2025 Playoffs as the Qualifier 1 Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (PBKS vs RCB) match has started on Thursday evening (May 29) in Mullanpur. For the RCB side, Tim David is absent, and here we have brought the reason for his absence from the game. 

Rajat Patidar returns to the captaincy role in the Qualifier 1, as RCB chose to field first after winning the toss in the Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2025. They made only one change, as Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood replaced Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thusara. Meanwhile, Tim David has missed this match.

See Also: 5 batters who finished with less than 10 runs in IPL 2025

IPL 2025, Qualifier 1, PBKS vs RCB: Why is Tim David not playing? 

RCB's Australian cricketer Tim David is missing Qualifier 1 due to his hamstring injury. He also missed their previous game, which was against Lucknow Super Giants. During their previous match against SunRisers Hyderabad, where RCB lost by 42 runs, David was injured in the final over of the first innings while saving a boundary. He was immediately off the field. Although he later came to bat and scored one off five balls, he has missed the next two matches. In their last game, English all-rounder Liam Livingstone replaced David, and the English star is continuing his place in Qualifier 1.  

The Road to Final

The winners of Qualifier 1 will advance to the Final of the IPL 2025. Meanwhile, the losers will now enter the Qualifier 2 clash, where they will face the Eliminator winners, Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians on Friday (May 30) at Mullanpur. The Qualifier 2, which has been scheduled for Sunday evening (May 1) at Ahmedabad, will confirm the second finalists for the season. Ahmedabad will also host the IPL 2025 Final on Tuesday evening (May 3), where Qualifier 1 winners and Qualifier 2 winners will face each other to lift the trophy. Both RCB and PBKS are dreaming of their first IPL trophy, as RCB are the three-time IPL runners-up, while PBKS were the runners-up in the IPL 2014. 

The IPL 2025 playoffs begin with Punjab Kings (PBKS) taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur, Chandigarh. PBKS will be looking to make the most of their home-ground advantage and get through to their first IPL final since 2014. If one of the two teams loses today, the defeated team will head to Qualifier 2 and have another chance to reach the final.

Mullanpur Stadium Stats and Records

• Total Matches: 9
• Batting 1st Won: 5
• Batting 2nd Won: 4
• Highest Total: 219/6 by Punjab Kings vs. Chennai Super Kings, 2025
• Lowest Total: 95 (Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings)
• Highest Run-chase: 177/6 in 19.2 overs by Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals in 2024
• Lowest total defended: 182/9 by SRH vs PBKS in 2024
• Average 1st Innings Score: 180
• Average 2nd Innings: 170

Also Read: IPL 2025: PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1 - A Head to Head breakdown

Weather and Pitch Report

On May 29, 2025, the weather in Chandigarh is hot (28 to 32 degrees C, 40-50% humidity), with no rain predicted. Dew may help out the chasing side in the second innings, allowing the ball to skid and making gripping the ball difficult for bowlers. The Mullanpur pitch has a balanced surface and lends to batting in the first innings, but it will aid spinners as the match progresses because of its dry nature. Teams have, therefore, opted to bat first in order to set a competitive total, as is evident by the fact that of four matches played this season, three of them were won by the team batting first.

Match Preview

PBKS has entered Qualifier 1 with momentum, having won four of their last five matches, and after a dominating victory over Mumbai Indians in Match 69, they secured the top position in the standings. PBKS has been whacking away with their batters, led by explosive action from Shreyas Iyer and some uncapped talent in Priyansh Arya and Nehal Wadhera, and scored above 200 in five matches this season, winning at a 71.43% rate in matches where they scored above 200. However, PBKS seemed to falter a little at times in the middle order, and Shreyas Iyer's 25 runs in four innings at Mullanpur could be a worry. Thankfully, either Arshdeep Singh or Yuzvendra Chahal leads a powerful bowling unit. although Marco Jansen has left for the World Test Championship Final, this may affect their pace unit, but probably expect Azmatullah Omarzai to step in. 

Also Read: RCB creates another record in IPL 2025 with unprecedented batting feat

RCB has four wins in the last five matches, coming in firing on all cylinders, bolstered by two explosive innings by Virat Kohli and Jitesh Sharma, as they smashed an explosive 85 off 33 against LSG. RCB's batting is very good, as Rajat Patidar, series captain, has multiple successful middle-order partnerships. Phil Salt has a new approach with the bat to give RCB aggressive starts. RCB's bowling, led by Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar more recently in terms of death-over control, has been economical, conceding 7.85 runs per over in the middle overs. Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma’s spin duo has complemented their pace attack, with Nuwan Thushara as a possible replacement. RCB’s perfect 7-0 away record this season adds confidence, but PBKS’s home strength poses a stern test.

RCB have made it to the Qualifier 1 round on the back of a breathtaking cameo from stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma, who scored a quickfire 85* to pull off a miraculous win for his side. Now they find themselves one step away from the top summit. PBKS, on the other hand, have been in a league of their own. They secured their spot in the top two by hammering MI in their last league game by a margin of six wickets, thanks to counter-attacking innings from Inglis (73 off 42) and Arya (62 off 35).

See also: WATCH: Tom Moody picks best coach in IPL 2025

The Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur gears up to stage an exciting showdown between RCB and PBKS. It will be the third fixture between the two sides this season. Spotlight will be on Kohli and Salt, who have been the leading run scorers for the franchise this season. The world will also be keenly observing Shreyas Iyer and the strategies he deploys to neutralize the threat from some of RCB's big guns.

However, both teams are without a title, and there is a growing possibility that the drought for either of the two teams might end this season. While both teams look pretty evenly poised on paper, does RCB have a slim edge over Punjab Kings? Read on as we attempt to dissect that possibility in the article. 

Head-to-head comparison 

Both PBKS and RCB have clashed on 33 occasions, out of which PBKS have triumphed on 17 occasions, whereas RCB have won the remaining 16. Historically speaking, PBKS holds a slight edge over its rival, but in recent times, RCB have had the better of them on a number of occasions.  In their past five meetings since 2023, RCB have emerged victorious in four while PBKS have managed to register a solitary victory. 

PBKS's poor run against RCB ended momentarily this season when the two sides met each other for the first time. In a rain-marred affair, RCB batting capitulated in a shambolic manner, but David's fighting 50* (26) ensured RCB have something to defend. A target of 96 was never going to be enough, and the score was effortlessly chased down by Punjab Kings by a margin of five wickets. However, RCB avenged the defeat in the next meeting. Kohli and Paddikal fired blazing fifties as the PBKS failed to offer any resistance and allowed RCB to chase down 157 with seven wickets in hand. 

While both teams have exchanged firing shots at each other, we can expect the Qualifier 1 match to be an evenly contested match on paper. In such a scenario, predicting an obvious winner becomes hard to predict. However, should RCB end up on the losing side, they will have another opportunity to reach the top summit through Qualifier 2.

Participation of Chahal and Hazlewood 

Another factor that can have a tremendous bearing on the outcome of today's Qualifier fixture is the inclusion of Yuzi Chahal and Hazlewood for PBKS and RCB, respectively. Both players missed out on a handful of league games after succumbing to injuries. Chahal is the seniormost player in the PBKS squad and one of the most experienced wrist spinners in the IPL, with over 200 scalps averaging around 22.63. While the absence of Chahal did not impact PBKS much, the omission of Hazlewood certainly hurt RCB big time.

Once Hazlewood was ruled out due to a back injury, RCB's death bowling was horribly exposed, with bowlers conceding runs at over 11 RPO. Hazlewood is a very uncanny operator and relies on deceptive pace-off deliveries to quell the batsmen in the death. Moreover, the world is also aware of his exploits with the new ball as well. RCB will get a much-needed boost ahead of today's fixture as Hazlewood is expected to return after a shoulder rehab. Chahal, too, will have a go and is expected to be fully fit for the mega Qualifier tonight. 

Conclusion

PBKS looks like a much-improved team this season. But they have only featured in a solitary one-off final back in 2014, where they bowed down to KKR in an intense run chase. RCB, on the other hand, have been more accomplished in this regard, making it to three finals but losing all three of them. Although RCB have been one of the most competitive sides this season, the franchise has shown signs of vulnerability on a few occasions. In the absence of Hazlewood, their bowlers have gone for runs in the death overs, however, this issue is likely to be put to rest after his return.   

Further on, a couple of games ago, RCB suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of SRH while chasing a stiff target of 232. The RCB batting disintegrated rapidly under scoreboard pressure and went from 173-3 to 189-10 in a matter of a few overs. PBKS, on the other hand, haven't faced such horrendous slip-ups. Led by a tactically astute captain, Shreyas Iyer (who is on the verge of two consecutive titles) and under the leadership of Ricky Ponting, one of the most successful coaches in world cricket, PBKS look better placed to trump RCB in this upcoming Qualifier. RCB's road to the IPL 2025 looks difficult but given that the state they are in, a defeat will give them an opportunity to make amends in Qualifier 2. 

Punjab Kings (PBKS) meets Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Qualifier 1 of the IPL 2025 playoffs. RCB, who finished in second position, secured 19 points in 14 matches and guaranteed a top-two finish by defeating Lucknow Super Giants in Match 70. A win here will guarantee a place in the IPL 2025 final. PBKS, finishing atop the league with 19 points, aims to leverage their home advantage and spoil RCB’s momentum.

Head-to-Head Record

• Total Matches: 35
• RCB Wins: 17
• PBKS Wins: 18
• No Result: 0
• Win %: PBKS leads with a 51.43% win percentage (18/35), while RCB has a 48.57% win percentage (17/35)

PBKS vs RCB: Key Matches

IPL, 2025, Match 37 - April 20, 2025, Mullanpur

• PBKS: 157/6 (20 Overs)
• RCB: 159/3 (18.5 Overs)
• Result: RCB won by 7 wickets

PBKS scored 157/6, with Prabhsimran Singh (33) and Shashank Singh (31) leading the batting. RCB chased it down comfortably at 159/3 behind the monstrous 73* from Virat Kohli and 61 from Devdutt Padikkal. Kohli earned Player of the Match for his innings of match-winning 73.

Also Read: IPL 2025: PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1 - Mullanpur stadium stats and preview

IPL 2025, Match 34 - April 18, 2025, Bengaluru

• RCB: 95/9 (14 Overs)
• PBKS: 96/5 (12.2 Overs)
• Result: PBKS won by 5 wickets

RCB struggled to 95/9 in a rain-affected 14 overs, with Tim David’s 50 being the highlight. PBKS chased 96/5 in 12.2 overs, with Nehal Wadhera and Marcus Stoinis hitting finishing sixes. Wadhera was a key part of PBKS’ win in another dominant performance.

IPL 2024 Match 58 - May 9, 2024, Dharamsala

• RCB 241/7 (20 Overs)
• PBKS: 181/10 (17 Overs)
• Result: RCB won by 60 runs

RCB scored 241/7 with Virat Kohli (77), Rajat Patidar (55), and Cameron Green (46) starring for RCB. PBKS collapsed for 181 in spite of a fighting 61 from Rilee Rossouw. Mohammed Siraj led RCB’s attack with 3/43. Kohli was named Player of the Match.

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have achieved a historic record in the Indian Premier League (IPL) by being the first team in history to have 10 different batsmen score 50 or more in one season. This unprecedented record not just proves their batting depth but also the versatility and balance of the team during the high-profile 2025 season.

At the helm of this incredible lineup is Virat Kohli himself, who has been in sensational touch with 8 fifties, holding up RCB's innings at the most crucial moments. Backing him are the likes of Phil Salt (3 fifties) and Rajat Patidar (2 fifties), both of whom have produced thunderous beginnings and important partnerships with regularity. Young player Devdutt Padikkal also chipped in with two respectable half-centuries in the top order option.

RCB's one of the surprises is how their batting has not just been limited to their top order. The middle and lower-middle order has done work under pressure as well, with Jitesh Sharma, Jacob Bethell, Liam Livingstone, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, and Krunal Pandya all getting a fifty. Some of them were depending on innings where the team was struggling, whereby the team could build momentum and post finishes with skill and challenging targets in the chase. With a total of 21 fifties spread across 10 players, RCB have redefined what a balanced, team-centric batting unit looks like in the IPL. It’s a record that not only speaks to individual brilliance but also to the strategic depth and flexibility of the squad.

RCB Gears Up for High-Stakes Clash Against PBKS in Qualifier 1

With the group stage complete, Royal Challengers Bengaluru now prepare for Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 29. With momentum on their side and an unblemished away record this season, RCB will seek to take advantage of their form and home advantage as they try to finally win their first IPL trophy.

Also Read: [WATCH] Hardik awkwardly behaves with the PBKS skipper, refuses to shake hands twice

RCB has made a good case for being one of the top contenders after their current round of performances. Through regular batting performance, good tactics, and a historic unbeaten run on the road, RCB has proven to be a tough team to beat. With the playoffs upon us, everyone is wondering if Bengaluru can take that momentum into the playoffs and if they can win their first IPL title, finally.

In an exciting IPL 2025 fixture with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) facing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Ekana Cricket Stadium, there was drama in the 17th over of RCB's chase of a target of 228 via a ball that LSG spinner Digvesh Rathi was bowling, when he attempted a Mankad run-out of RCB's stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma, who was backing up too far at the non-striker's end. Rathi stopped mid-delivery and removed the bails before appealing with Jitesh well out of his crease when replays were shown.

The drama escalated as the decision went to the third umpire, But LSG captain Rishabh Pant decided to withdraw the appeal, which would have led to a major turning point in the match by possibly achieving a precarious wicket. Pant's actions drew the praise of some but reignited the discussions surrounding the ethics of Mankading, which is considered a legal action under the laws of cricket but often not seen in the spirit of the game. Jitesh, obviously relieved, ran to Pant to hug him in appreciation, and the crowd at Ekana Stadium showed their appreciation for the spirit of the game.

Jitesh took full advantage of the reprieve and made a match-defining innings that changed the match in favor of RCB. His blazing 85 runs off just 33 balls, with eight fours and six sixes, carried RCB to a six-wicket win, chasing 228 in 18.4 overs for their highest IPL chase ever.

Jitesh Shines as RCB Secure Qualifier 1 Spot 

With that win, RCB earned a place among the top two, qualifying them for Qualifier 1 against the Punjab Kings. Meanwhile, Jitesh’s explosive knock was the icing on the cake and made Pant’s gallant knock of 118* off 61 balls for LSG feel quite insignificant to keep the RCB train rolling into the playoffs.

Watch the video here

This Digvesh Rathi not only issues challans... but is also a fraud...

"Digvesh Rathi" #RCBvsLSG "Jitesh Sharma" "Digvesh Rathi" #RCBvsLSG "Rishabh Pant" Render Digvesh "Jitesh Sharma" "And Putin" #IPL25@StarSportsIndia pic.twitter.com/2C1Rr4P1qU

— Sahil Khanna (@SahilKh83593460) May 27, 2025

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 70: Lucknow Super Giants vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Full Match Highlights

This match is remembered for Jitesh’s fireworks; it will also be remembered for the camaraderie that descended into a controversial situation, providing a great balance of cricket both in terms of rules and ethics.