Clash: Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
In their final league encounter of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025), RCB emerged victorious with a 6-wicket win over LSG, cementing their position in the top-2 of the standings. After winning the toss, RCB chose to bowl first. Notably, Tim David and Josh Hazlewood were absent from this fixture, as Lucknow took to bat initially. Lucknow's captain Pant’s unbeaten 118-run blitz set RCB a formidable target of 228 runs. Yet, thanks to Jitesh Sharma’s explosive unbeaten 85 runs, RCB deftly chased down this target by the 19th over.
RCB's Masterclass in Batting
Chasing 228, RCB commenced with flair. Phil Salt and Virat Kohli launched the innings assertively. However, the team faced its first setback in the 6th over when Salt departed for 30 runs. Kohli, unyielding at one end, crafted a 27-ball fifty. But RCB staggered in the 8th over, losing Rajat Patidar and Livingstone in quick succession. Kohli continued delivering, scoring 54 off 30 before departing in the 12th over. Following Kohli’s dismissal, Mayank and Jitesh Sharma established a dynamic partnership. RCB required just 51 runs off 30 balls. Jitesh Sharma powered his way to a fiery 22-ball fifty, eventually crafting an unbeaten 85 off 33 balls adorned with 8 fours and 6 sixes. Alongside, Mayank Agarwal's stood unbeaten with 41 runs off 23 balls, leading RCB to a memorable victory.
Lucknow's Batting Journey
Lucknow's initial batting endeavours were rocky. Matthew Britzke fell in the third over after scoring merely 14 runs. However, captain Rishabh Pant turned the tide with an uncharacteristic display of form. Contrary to earlier performances, Pant amassed runs against all bowlers. With Lucknow tallying 68-1 by the 7th over, Pant stormed to a 29-ball fifty in the 10th over, elevating the score past 100. Mitchell Marsh echoed this sentiment with a 31-ball fifty in the 14th over, marking his sixth such achievement this season. But Lucknow suffered a blow when Marsh departed for 67 in the 16th over at 177 runs. Pant continued his onslaught, smacking a century off 54 balls in the 18th over, guiding Lucknow past 200. His magnificent 118 atop 61 balls included 8 sixes and 11 fours, posing RCB a target of 228 runs.
Understanding the Points Table
Currently leading the points table are the Punjab Kings with 19 points. Sitting closely are RCB, also with 19 points but trailing in run rate. Following them, Gujarat holds third with 18 points, while Mumbai stands fourth with 16. It's pivotal to note that teams clinching the top-2 receive two chances to vie for the finals.
Playoffs Unveiled: Who Faces Whom?
On May 29th, the first qualifier of the IPL will see a clash between the table toppers, Punjab Kings and RCB, in Chandigarh. The victor advances directly to the finals, while the defeated receives another shot.
29 May:
Punjab Kings vs RCB in Chandigarh.
30 May:
Teams positioned 3rd and 4th will face each other. The losing side's journey ends, while the winning team encounters the Qualifier-1 loser, in Ahmedabad on June 1st.
3 June:
The victor of Qualifier-2 will contend in the finals.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Line-Up:
Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Nuwan Thushara.
Lucknow Super Giants Line-Up:
Mitchell Marsh, Matthew Britzke, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Digvijay Singh Rathore, Avesh Khan, William Orourke.
Historic Insights: Competitive Edge
Historically, RCB and Lucknow have locked horns in 6 encounters. RCB commands the chart with 4 victories compared to Lucknow's 2, signifying RCB's apparent dominance.
