In a match that will be remembered as one of the most exhilarating contests of IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pulled off a stunning six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27, 2025, at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Chasing a formidable target of 228 runs, RCB achieved the third-largest successful chase in IPL history
RCB became the first team to win all their away league-stage matches, securing a top-two finish and a spot in Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings on May 29, 2025. The match was a showcase of T20 cricket at its finest, with breathtaking batting performances from both sides overshadowing lackluster bowling efforts.
The game was defined by two standout individual performances: Rishabh Pant’s unbeaten century for LSG and Jitesh Sharma’s match-winning 85* for RCB. While LSG’s imposing total seemed set to challenge RCB, the latter’s depth and chasing prowess, coupled with Sharma’s explosive knock, ensured they crossed the finish line with 8 balls to spare.
This victory not only highlighted RCB’s batting strength but also underscored their resilience, making them a formidable force as they head into the playoffs.
LSG’s Batting Masterclass: Pant and Marsh Shine
Lucknow Super Giants, batting first after RCB won the toss and elected to field, posted a commanding total of 227/3, driven by a sensational innings from their captain, Rishabh Pant who had endured a challenging IPL campaign, delivered a masterclass, scoring an unbeaten 118 off 61 balls at a strike rate of 193.44.
Rishabh Pant’s knock included 11 fours and 8 sixes, marking his second IPL century and a memorable end to his season. “Rishabh Pant has had a miserable IPL campaign, but this will make him feel so much better at the end of it.”
Pant was ably supported by Mitchell Marsh, who contributed a brisk 67 off 37 balls, including 4 fours and 5 sixes. Their 152-run partnership for the second wicket was the highest for LSG in IPL history for that wicket, surpassing the previous record of 121 between Marsh and Nicholas Pooran. Marsh set the tone with 67 off 37 balls, while Pooran added a quick 13 off 10 balls. LSG’s innings featured 19 sixes, the most in an IPL innings for the franchise, showcasing their aggressive intent.
RCB’s Bowling Disaster: LSG Capitalizes
RCB’s bowling performance was a significant letdown, as they conceded 227 runs in 20 overs, struggling to contain LSG’s aggressive batsmen. The decision to field first backfired, with the pitch offering excellent batting conditions and the dew factor likely aiding the chase later. The absence of key pacer Josh Hazlewood, was a critical factor, as LSG’s big hitters capitalized on the inexperience in RCB’s bowling attack.
Nuwan Thushara was the most economical, finishing with 1/26 in 4 overs, but others struggled. Romario Shepherd conceded 51 runs in 4 overs, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya were also expensive, leaking runs at over 10 per over. The bowling unit, which had been a strength for RCB earlier in the season, failed to adapt, highlighting a need for strategic adjustments as they approach the playoffs.
RCB’s Batting Brilliance: Jitesh Sharma Leads the Charge
RCB’s chase of 228 was a display of their batting depth and resilience. Openers Phil Salt (30 off 19 balls) and Virat Kohli (54 off 30 balls) provided a fiery start, setting the tone with a 61-run opening stand. Rajat Patidar chipped in with a quick 14 off 7 balls, but it was Jitesh Sharma who stole the show with an unbeaten 85 off 33 balls, including 8 fours and 6 sixes.
Rajast Patidar’s 22-ball fifty was one of the fastest of the season, and his onslaught in the 18th over against Will O’Rourke, where he scored 21 runs, was a turning point. “Phenomenal hitting from Jitesh! Goes 4, 4, 6, 6 against O’Rourke.”
JIitesh Sharma’s partnership with Mayank Agarwal, who scored an unbeaten 41 off 23 balls, was pivotal, adding an unbeaten 107 runs for the fifth wicket—the highest for RCB in a run-chase for that wicket. Sharma’s composure under pressure, surviving a no-ball scare, earned him the Player of the Match award. As he said post-match, “I can’t believe I played that knock. When Virat bhai was out, I was just thinking of taking it deep”.
LSG’s Bowling Struggles: O’Rourke’s Expensive Spell
LSG’s bowling unit failed to defend their imposing total, with Will O’Rourke enduring a torrid spell, conceding 74 runs in 4 overs—the most by any bowler in an innings for LSG in IPL history. Despite taking 2 wickets, his economy rate of 18.50 was a significant blow. Akash Singh was relatively economical with 1/40, while Avesh Khan took 1 wicket but couldn’t stem the flow of runs.
The lack of wickets at crucial moments allowed RCB to build partnerships and maintain momentum. LSG’s bowling depth was exposed, raising questions about their ability to defend big totals in high-stakes games.
Looking Ahead for RCB: Top 2 Qualification and Playoff Hopes
RCB’s victory not only secured their place in the top two but also marked a historic achievement, as they became the first team to win all their away league-stage matches. This win propelled them into Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings, giving them two opportunities to reach the final. Their batting, led by players like Sharma, Agarwal, and Patidar, is in top form, with four successful chases out of five this season.
However, their bowling remains a concern. The absence of Josh Hazlewood was evident, and RCB will need to address this to compete in the playoffs. RCB’s depth and chasing prowess have been key, but their bowling needs to step up. With Virat Kohli nearing 9000 IPL runs, RCB’s title aspirations remain strong, but their success will hinge on a balanced performance.
The LSG vs RCB match on May 27, 2025, was a thrilling display of T20 cricket, with Pant’s century and Sharma’s explosive knock stealing the show. While LSG’s batting set a high benchmark, their bowling faltered, allowing RCB to showcase their chasing prowess.
As RCB heads into the playoffs, their historic away record and batting depth make them a formidable force, but their bowling needs attention to secure their first IPL title. For LSG, Pant’s century was a silver lining, but their bowling depth will need improvement for future campaigns.
Also Read: LSG vs RCB: Virat Kohli’s Historic 9,000 RCB Runs Define IPL 2025 Consistency