Royal Challengers Bengaluru Recorded the Third-Highest Run Chases in IPL History
RCB secured a playoff spot early in IPL 2025, but a top-two finish hinged on beating LSG. Chasing 228 after a Pant century, heroic knocks from Jitesh Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Mayank Agarwal sealed a historic win and a Qualifier 1 berth.
IPL 2025 has been unforgettable for both Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and their fans. With their impressive gameplay and performance this season, they had already secured a spot in the playoffs, plenty of time to spare, but a top-two finish wasn’t quite ensured, as only a win against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the last league game would earn them a spot in Qualifier 1.
When LSG, driven by a Rishabh Pant century, set RCB 228, their task became much more difficult. Nevertheless, Jitesh Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Mayank Agrawal ensured that RCB would not be defeated, securing a historic victory. Hence, RCB’s chase is one of the most successful chases in IPL history.
Besides, no other team in the Indian Premier League's (IPL) eighteen-year existence has accomplished what the Royal Challengers Bengaluru have: winning every away game in a home-away season. After defeating the Lucknow Super Giants by six wickets at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, RCB achieved the remarkable feat of winning all seven away games this season.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 230/4 vs Lucknow Super Giants 227/3, Lucknow, 2025
Rishabh Pant looked to own the night. Because of his scorching 118 off just 61 balls, RCB needed to score 228 runs to advance to Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings. RCB started well with Kohli and Phil Salt adding 61 runs, but LSG's advantage was shifted by three quick wickets. Kohli scored a fine half-century, but his dismissal in the 12th over left RCB with 105 runs to get from 52 balls.
Mayank and Jitesh entered the ground, and Mayank’s 23-ball 41 was stellar on its own. Jitesh, who seemed to be batting in a completely different realm, added 85 runs off 33 balls, including eight fours and six sixes. Specifically, Will O'Rourke took a lot of criticism for giving up 74 runs in his four overs, the third-most expensive spell in IPL history.
RCB achieved the third-highest total in IPL history and their best successful chase thanks to stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma's undefeated 85. With 19 points from the victory, RCB tied Punjab for second place on the points table but fell behind due to their net run rate of 0.30. Since 2016, this is RCB's greatest league stage result.