RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Final: Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeat Punjab Kings by 6 runs to win their first IPL title after 18 years
Royal Challengers vs Kings: RCB Clinch Maiden IPL Title After 18-Year Wait
The IPL 2025 final witnessed a historic moment as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured their first-ever Indian Premier League title by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by a narrow margin of six runs. This victory ended an 18-year-long wait for RCB and their talismanic leader, Virat Kohli, who was visibly emotional as he lifted the coveted trophy.
Match Overview Royal Challengers vs Kings
Toss and Team Decisions
The final, held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, saw Punjab Kings winning the toss and opting to bowl first.
RCB’s Innings
RCB posted a total of 190/9 in their allotted 20 overs. Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a steady 43 runs off 35 balls. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, contributions from other batsmen ensured a competitive total.
PBKS’s Chase
In response, Punjab Kings managed to score 184/7 in their 20 overs, falling short by just six runs. Shashank Singh was the standout performer for PBKS, scoring a brisk 61 off 30 balls. However, RCB’s disciplined bowling attack, led by Josh Hazlewood, kept the pressure on, ultimately securing the win.
Key Performances
Virat Kohli’s Milestone
While Kohli’s 43 runs were crucial, the victory held more significance as it marked his first IPL title in an 18-year-long career. The emotional scenes post-match, with Kohli shedding tears of joy, highlighted the importance of this win for him and the franchise.
Bowling Highlights
Josh Hazlewood’s tight bowling in the death overs was instrumental in restricting PBKS. His ability to maintain composure under pressure played a pivotal role in RCB’s triumph.
Fan Reactions and Celebrations
The victory sparked massive celebrations among RCB fans worldwide. Social media platforms were flooded with congratulatory messages, and the team’s official handles shared behind-the-scenes moments of jubilation.
Historical Context
RCB’s journey in the IPL has been one of near misses and heartbreaks. Prior to this win, they had reached the finals thrice but failed to clinch the title. This victory not only breaks the jinx but also cements their place in IPL history.
Looking Ahead
With this win, RCB will aim to build on their success and establish a legacy of consistent performances. The team management will focus on retaining key players and strategizing for the next season to defend their title.
External References
Punjab Kings’ Chase: A Thrilling Response
Chasing 191, Punjab Kings started steadily with openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya. Their partnership laid a platform, but RCB’s bowlers, led by Josh Hazlewood and Mohammed Siraj, applied relentless pressure. Nehal Wadhera and Shashank Singh fought valiantly, keeping PBKS in the hunt, but the required run rate crept up.
The turning point came in the 18th over when Hazlewood dismissed Wadhera, breaking a dangerous partnership. Despite a late surge, Punjab Kings fell short by six runs, handing RCB their maiden IPL title after an 18-year wait.
Key highlights of the chase:
- Prabhsimran’s Aggression: His quick 30 off 20 balls set the tone.
- Wadhera’s Resilience: Nehal Wadhera’s gritty knock kept PBKS alive.
- RCB’s Death Bowling: Siraj and Hazlewood’s tight overs sealed the victory.
Key Performances and Player of the Match
The IPL 2025 final was defined by standout individual efforts. Virat Kohli’s leadership and 43 runs earned him widespread praise, but Josh Hazlewood’s match-defining 3/21, including crucial wickets in the death overs, clinched him the Player of the Match award. For Punjab Kings, Arshdeep Singh’s 3/40 and Nehal Wadhera’s battling innings were highlights in a losing cause.
