Key Points
- RCB won the IPL 2025 final against PBKS by 6 runs on June 3, 2025, at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.
- RCB scored 190/9, with Virat Kohli making 43; PBKS reached 184/10, led by Shashank Singh’s 61.
- This victory ended RCB’s 18-year wait for their first IPL title, a historic moment for the franchise.
Match Overview
The IPL 2025 final saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) triumph over Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs, securing their maiden IPL title after 18 years. The match, held at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, showcased intense cricket with RCB posting 190/9 and PBKS falling short at 184/10.
Detailed Scorecard
- RCB Innings: 190/9 in 20 overs, with key contributions from Virat Kohli (43 off 35), Rajat Patidar (26), Jitesh Sharma (24 off 10), Romario Shepherd (17), and Josh Inglis (39).
- PBKS Innings: 184/10, with Shashank Singh’s 61 off 30 being the standout, supported by Prabhsimran Singh (26) and Priyansh Arya (24). PBKS’ bowling was led by Arshdeep Singh (3/37) and Kyle Jamieson (3/48).
Key Performances
RCB’s bowling was crucial, with Krunal Pandya taking 2 wickets for 17 runs and Josh Hazlewood bowling a tight final over (1/54). For PBKS, despite Singh’s efforts, they couldn’t chase down the target.
Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of IPL 2025 Final
The IPL 2025 final, held on June 3, 2025, at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, marked a historic moment as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their first-ever IPL title, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs. This victory ended an 18-year drought for RCB, making it a significant milestone in the franchise’s history. Below is a detailed examination of the match, including scores, key performances, and the broader context of this achievement.
Match Context and Significance
The final was a culmination of a gripping IPL 2025 season, with both teams vying for their maiden IPL title. RCB, known for their passionate fan base and consistent performances, had reached the final three times previously (2009, 2011, 2016) without success, adding emotional weight to this encounter. PBKS, on the other hand, were fresh off a strong performance in Qualifier 2, chasing down a target against Mumbai Indians. The match was played under lights, with Ahmedabad’s record favoring teams batting first, as six out of eight matches at the venue this season were won by the team setting the target.
Detailed Scorecard and Innings Breakdown
RCB, put in to bat by PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer, posted a competitive total of 190/9 in their 20 overs. The innings was built around several key contributions:
- Virat Kohli: Scored 43 runs off 35 balls, providing stability with 3 fours and a strike rate of 122.85. His innings was crucial in the middle overs, though he was dismissed before accelerating further.
- Rajat Patidar: Contributed 26 runs, adding depth to the middle order.
- Jitesh Sharma: Played a fiery cameo of 24 runs off just 10 balls, including 2 fours and 2 sixes, boosting RCB’s total in the death overs.
- Romario Shepherd: Added 17 runs, while Josh Inglis scored 39, providing late impetus.
PBKS’ bowling attack was led by Arshdeep Singh, who took 3 wickets for 37 runs, and Kyle Jamieson, who also claimed 3 wickets for 48 runs, making good use of a pitch offering help to pace-off deliveries.
Chasing 191, PBKS started strongly but faltered in the middle overs, finishing at 184/10. The standout performance was from Shashank Singh, who scored an aggressive 61 off 30 balls, including multiple boundaries and sixes, bringing up his half-century in the final overs. Other notable contributions included:
- Prabhsimran Singh: 26 runs, providing an early foundation.
- Priyansh Arya: 24 runs off 19 balls, with 4 fours, adding to the chase.
However, RCB’s bowling, particularly Krunal Pandya’s spell of 2/17 (12 dot balls, one boundary conceded), and Josh Hazlewood’s tight final over (1/54), ensured PBKS fell short by 6 runs. Hazlewood’s final over was decisive, with Shashank Singh hitting a six but unable to get the required runs, ending with 6, 4, 6, 6 in his last few balls.
Key Performances and Turning Points
The match had several turning points, with RCB’s middle order resilience and PBKS’ inability to maintain momentum being critical. Krunal Pandya’s bowling was a highlight, taking key wickets including Josh Inglis and Prabhsimran Singh, disrupting PBKS’ chase. Josh Hazlewood’s final over, where he conceded only 10 runs off the last 4 legal balls after Shashank Singh’s late surge, sealed the deal for RCB.
Virat Kohli’s emotional reaction post-match, ready to cry and being hoisted by teammates, underscored the personal and team significance of this win. Fireworks erupted in Ahmedabad, and Kohli, a one-franchise man, celebrated his long wait ending at the 18th attempt.
Statistical Insights
To provide a clearer picture, here is a table summarizing the key batting and bowling performances:
Team | Player | Runs/Balls | 4s/6s | Strike Rate | Wickets/Economy |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
RCB | Virat Kohli | 43/35 | 3/0 | 122.85 | – |
RCB | Rajat Patidar | 26/- | -/- | – | – |
RCB | Jitesh Sharma | 24/10 | 2/2 | 240.00 | – |
RCB | Romario Shepherd | 17/- | -/- | – | – |
RCB | Josh Inglis | 39/- | -/- | – | – |
PBKS | Shashank Singh | 61/30 | -/4 | 203.33 | – |
PBKS | Prabhsimran Singh | 26/- | -/- | – | – |
PBKS | Priyansh Arya | 24/19 | 4/0 | 126.31 | – |
PBKS | Arshdeep Singh | – | – | – | 3/9.25 |
PBKS | Kyle Jamieson | – | – | – | 3/12.00 |
RCB | Krunal Pandya | – | – | – | 2/4.25 |
RCB | Josh Hazlewood | – | – | – | 1/8.00 |
(Note: Some strike rates and detailed ball counts are inferred from available data, as not all specifics were uniformly reported.)
Broader Context and Fan Reaction
The win was celebrated widely, with RCB supporters chanting during the final overs, sensing victory. The spotlight was on Virat Kohli, but Krunal Pandya’s contribution was pivotal, with his economical spell and key wickets. The BBC Sport coverage noted fireworks and emotional scenes, with Kohli being hoisted, reflecting the franchise’s long journey. An X post from a fan account highlighted, “Finally, RCB’s time to shine!” (RCB Fans).
Conclusion
This match will be remembered as a turning point for RCB, ending their title drought and adding a new chapter to IPL history. The combination of Kohli’s leadership, Pandya’s bowling, and Hazlewood’s clutch performance under pressure showcased RCB’s depth and resilience, making it a fitting end to a thrilling season.