Witness the thrilling IPL 2025 clash as Royal Challengers Bangalore narrowly defeat PBKS by 6 runs. Relive the highlights and key moments of this classic match.
A Night of Redemption and High Drama at Ahmedabad
After 17 years of heartbreak, near-misses, and the haunting refrain of “Ee Sala Cup Namde,†Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally etched their name on the Indian Premier League trophy, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by a slender margin of six runs in a pulsating final at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. In a contest that ebbed and flowed until the last over, RCB’s collective grit and nerveless bowling at the death proved decisive, sparking scenes of jubilation and tears among players and fans alike.
The Wait Ends: RCB’s Road to the Final
RCB’s journey to this historic night was built on resilience and consistency. Finishing second in the league stage with 19 points, Rajat Patidar’ side booked their final berth by defeating PBKS in Qualifier 1. The ghosts of three previous final defeats—2009, 2011, and 2016—loomed large, but this time, RCB embraced the pressure and delivered when it mattered most. See also: Kohli, Hazlewood Star as RCB Finally Win at Home
For PBKS, the road was longer and harder. After topping the group with a superior net run rate, they stumbled in Qualifier 1. Still, they bounced back with a gutsy win over Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2, thanks to a masterful 87* from skipper Shreyas Iyer. Both teams arrived at the final carrying the weight of history and the hunger for a maiden title.
RCB’s Innings: Kohli Steadies, Middle Order Fires
Put in to bat after losing the toss, RCB faced early setbacks as Phil Salt and Mayank Agarwal departed inside the powerplay, both falling to sharp bowling from PBKS’s new-ball attack. Virat Kohli, the heartbeat of RCB, anchored the innings with a composed 43 off 35 balls, mixing caution with aggression. Kohli’s knock was crucial in steadying the ship after early blows.
Rajat Patidar (26 off 16) provided a brisk cameo, while Liam Livingstone (25 off 15) and Jitesh Sharma (24 off 10) unleashed a flurry of boundaries and sixes to keep the scoreboard ticking. The middle order’s aggression was balanced by the discipline of PBKS’s bowlers, with Arshdeep Singh (3/40) and Kyle Jamieson (3/48) striking regularly to prevent RCB from running away with the game.
Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, RCB managed to post a competitive 190/9 in their 20 overs, thanks to late-order hitting from Romario Shepherd and crucial contributions from the lower middle order. Extras played a role, with PBKS conceding nine wides, adding to their woes.
PBKS’s Chase: Inglis and Prabhsimran Give Hope
Chasing 191 for glory, PBKS began positively. Priyansh Arya (24 off 19) and Prabhsimran Singh (26 off 22) kept the required rate manageable in the powerplay, with Arya’s four boundaries and Prabhsimran’s two sixes setting the tone. However, Arya’s departure, caught behind off Hazlewood, gave RCB a crucial opening.
Josh Inglis, in devastating touch, smashed 39 off 23 balls, peppering the boundary ropes with four sixes and a four, keeping PBKS firmly in the hunt. His partnership with Prabhsimran was threatening, but Krunal Pandya’s timely breakthrough, removing Prabhsimran, shifted the momentum back to RCB. Inglis continued to attack, launching sixes off Shepherd and Suyash Sharma, but his dismissal for 39, caught by Livingstone off Pandya, left PBKS needing a late surge.
Middle Overs: RCB’s Spinners Apply the Squeeze
With the pressure mounting, RCB’s spin duo of Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma tightened the screws. Pandya’s tidy overs and Suyash’s ability to extract turn restricted PBKS’s scoring, pushing the required rate above 10. Shashank Singh (26 off 16) and Nehal Wadhera (15 off 18) tried to keep the chase alive, but wickets continued to fall at crucial junctures.
RCB’s bowlers maintained discipline, conceding few boundaries and forcing PBKS to take risks. The 13th over proved pivotal as PBKS lost momentum, needing 90 from 42 balls with only five wickets in hand. The pressure told, with both Shashank and Wadhera falling as the chase entered the final phase.
Death Overs: Nerves, Big Hits, and RCB’s Redemption
With 72 needed off the last five overs, PBKS looked to Shashank Singh for inspiration. He responded with a towering six off Hazlewood and a crisp drive for four off Shepherd, injecting hope into the chase. However, RCB’s death bowlers—Hazlewood and Shepherd—held their nerve, mixing yorkers and slower balls to perfection.
Nehal Wadhera’s dismissal, caught by Krunal Pandya off Bhuvneshwar Kumar, left PBKS needing 29 from the final over. Shashank Singh tried to conjure a miracle, but the target proved just out of reach. PBKS finished on 184/7, falling agonizingly short by six runs as RCB’s players erupted in celebration.
Bowling Heroes: Jamieson and Arshdeep Shine for PBKS
Despite the loss, PBKS’s bowlers deserve credit for their relentless effort. Arshdeep Singh (3/40) and Kyle Jamieson (3/48) bowled with heart, picking up key wickets and keeping RCB’s power-hitters in check. Azmatullah Omarzai and Yuzvendra Chahal chipped in with crucial breakthroughs, but a few loose overs and extras ultimately made the difference.
The Moment and the Aftermath: RCB’s Emotional Release
As the final wicket fell and the reality of victory sank in, RCB’s players and fans were overcome with emotion. Virat Kohli, who has been the face of the franchise for over a decade, was visibly moved, embracing teammates and acknowledging the sea of red in the stands. The scenes of celebration reflected years of pent-up hope and longing finally fulfilled.
For PBKS, the pain of a second final defeat was evident. Skipper Shreyas Iyer, who led from the front throughout the season, was gracious in defeat, praising his team’s fight and vowing to come back stronger.
What This Win Means for RCB and IPL History
RCB’s maiden title is a watershed moment for the franchise and its loyal fanbase. It ends a 17-year wait and erases the tag of perennial underachievers. The triumph was a testament to team spirit, resilience under pressure, and the ability to seize key moments—a blueprint for future champions.
The 2025 IPL final will be remembered for its drama, high-quality cricket, and the emotional release it brought to millions of RCB supporters worldwide. It also sets up new rivalries and narratives for seasons to come, with both RCB and PBKS now established as teams capable of going the distance.
Key Performances and Turning Points
Virat Kohli’s anchoring knock (43 off 35) provided stability at the top and set the foundation for RCB’s total.
Rajat Patidar, Liam Livingstone, and Jitesh Sharma’s cameos injected crucial momentum in the middle overs.
Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson’s three-wicket hauls kept RCB in check, but a few expensive overs and extras proved costly.
Josh Inglis’s 39 off 23 gave PBKS hope, but his dismissal was the turning point in the chase.
Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma’s tight spells in the middle overs applied the brakes on PBKS’s scoring.
Hazlewood and Shepherd’s composure at the death ensured RCB held their nerve in the final overs.
Looking Ahead: New Era for RCB and PBKS
For RCB, this victory could mark the dawn of a new era, with a talented core and a winning mentality finally realized. The franchise will look to build on this success, aiming for sustained excellence in the years to come.
PBKS, despite the heartbreak, can take pride in a campaign that saw them top the league and fight their way to the final. With a strong squad and inspired leadership, another shot at the title is well within reach.
