The final league match of IPL 2025 had everything fans could ask for—high stakes, big scores, and a thrilling finish.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) rose to the occasion in spectacular fashion, defeating Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to clinch second place on the points table and book their ticket to Qualifier 1. They now face Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 29 in New Chandigarh, with the winner earning a direct spot in the grand finale.
This result reshuffled the top four standings and finalized the playoff matchups. Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI) are set to clash in the Eliminator on May 30, also in New Chandigarh.
RCB’s Record-Breaking Run Chase
Chasing 228—no small task in any T20 setting—RCB delivered a fearless performance powered by their big names. Virat Kohli led the charge with yet another half-century, continuing his fine form this season. But the real hero was stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma, whose explosive 85 off just 33 balls* sealed the deal. It was a breathtaking display of power hitting under pressure, and one that marked the third-highest successful run chase in IPL history.
Interestingly, it was Rishabh Pant who looked like he had stolen the show earlier with a blistering 61-ball 118, helping LSG post a daunting 227/3. His innings was full of audacious strokes and masterful timing, but in the end, it wasn't enough.
What This Means for the Playoffs
RCB's incredible chase lifted them to 19 points—equal to PBKS—but they finish second due to a lower net run rate. Still, the position is significant. Finishing in the top two means RCB will get two shots at reaching the final, a huge advantage in the playoffs. This is also just the third time RCB has finished in the top two in the league stage, the last instances being in 2011 and 2016.
Meanwhile, PBKS solidified their top spot a day earlier by defeating Mumbai Indians, who now remain stuck on 16 points and will have to battle it out in the Eliminator. GT, once considered a strong contender for a top-two finish, faltered late in the league, losing to both LSG and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). These losses cost them dearly, dropping them to third with 18 points.
Final Points Table (Top 4 Teams):
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Punjab Kings (PBKS) – 19 points (better NRR)
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – 19 points
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Gujarat Titans (GT) – 18 points
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Mumbai Indians (MI) – 16 points
A Season of Firsts for RCB
One of the most remarkable achievements for RCB this season is becoming the first team to win all seven of their designated away matches. In a tournament as competitive and unpredictable as the IPL, this kind of consistency on the road is extraordinary and speaks volumes about the team’s mentality and adaptability.
Another key storyline is the leadership of Jitesh Sharma. Taking over captaincy duties in the absence of the regular skipper, he not only played a match-winning knock but also marshaled his team through a pressure-packed game. It’s these kinds of moments that define great teams and great leaders.
What’s Next?
RCB won’t have much time to celebrate. They now have just one day to prepare for a high-stakes Qualifier 1 against PBKS, which takes place on Thursday, May 29. The winner will head straight to the final on June 3 in Ahmedabad, while the loser gets one more chance in Qualifier 2 on June 1.
Meanwhile, GT and MI will face off in the Eliminator on Friday, May 30. The stakes? Simple—win or go home. The winner of the Eliminator will face the loser of Qualifier 1 for a shot at the title match.
Playoff Schedule: IPL 2025
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Qualifier 1: RCB vs PBKS – May 29, New Chandigarh
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Eliminator: GT vs MI – May 30, New Chandigarh
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Qualifier 2: Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator – June 1, Ahmedabad
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Final: Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2 – June 3, Ahmedabad
RCB’s thrilling chase has set the tone for what promises to be an exhilarating playoff phase. With form, momentum, and confidence on their side, they’ll be looking to finally end their long wait for an IPL trophy. But PBKS, GT, and MI are no pushovers—they’ve all had their moments of brilliance this season.
If the league stage is anything to go by, fans can expect nothing short of fireworks in the coming week.
