RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Final: Royal Challengers Bengaluru Win Maiden Title After 18-Year Wait
RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Final ended in a thrilling finish as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs to lift their maiden IPL title after 18 years. The electric atmosphere at the packed stadium reflected the intensity of two teams fighting for their first championship — and in the end, it was RCB who held their nerve to finally claim cricket’s most coveted T20 trophy.
RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Final Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Break 18-Year Drought
It was a night of redemption for RCB fans around the world. After years of heartbreak, the franchise finally delivered under captain Rajat Patidar, who showed exceptional composure and leadership throughout the season. The result also gave Virat Kohli his long-awaited IPL glory after being part of the team since its inception.
PBKS, though disappointed, can take pride in a remarkable season that saw them play some of their best cricket. However, the better team prevailed on the big night, with RCB defeating them twice in a single week — once in the qualifier and again in the final.
Punjab Kings’ Chase Falters Despite Shashank’s Heroics
Chasing 191 for victory, PBKS looked comfortable at 70/1 after eight overs, with openers Priyansh and Prabhsimran Singh setting a solid foundation. But RCB’s bowlers, led by Josh Hazlewood (1 wicket) and Romario Shepherd (1 wicket), kept applying pressure with sharp fielding and disciplined lengths.
Krunal Pandya produced a match-winning spell, taking 2/17 and removing both set batters — Prabhsimran (26) and Josh Inglis (39). The wickets triggered a collapse as PBKS lost momentum in the middle overs.
Shashank Singh waged a lone battle, scoring an unbeaten 61 off 38 balls, but with wickets falling around him, the task became too steep. PBKS finished six runs short at 185/8, handing RCB a historic victory.
RCB’s Batting: Kohli and Jitesh Stand Out
Earlier, RCB had posted 190/9, a total many felt was slightly below par. Virat Kohli top-scored with a patient 43, anchoring the innings amid a flurry of quick wickets. Contributions came from Mayank Agarwal (24), Rajat Patidar (26), Liam Livingstone (25), and Jitesh Sharma (24 off 10), whose late cameo proved decisive in the final margin.
For PBKS, Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson impressed with three wickets each, while Omarzai, Chahal, and Vyshak picked one apiece. Despite the disciplined bowling, a few expensive overs at the death allowed RCB to reach a defendable total.
Bowlers Seal the Trophy for RCB
Defending 191, Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2 wickets), Yash Dayal, and Hazlewood kept things tight in the death overs, holding their nerve under pressure. Every dot ball was celebrated like a wicket as the final overs unfolded in dramatic fashion.
Krunal Pandya’s spell, alongside smart field placements and calm captaincy from Rajat Patidar, ensured RCB stayed in control. The victory marked a fitting conclusion to a season built on teamwork and resilience.
Emotional Triumph for Kohli and RCB
The result ended an 18-year drought for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, bringing long-time fans and players to tears. Virat Kohli, visibly emotional after the win, finally silenced critics who had often questioned his lack of an IPL title.
Captain Rajat Patidar’s leadership throughout the season was lauded as a turning point for the franchise. Meanwhile, PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer, despite the heartbreak, continued to earn respect for leading three different teams to IPL finals in his career — a rare achievement.
Conclusion
The RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Final will go down as one of the most dramatic finishes in tournament history. RCB’s disciplined bowling, clutch batting cameos, and unrelenting belief finally delivered the dream ending fans had waited nearly two decades for.
With Kohli lifting the trophy and RCB crowned IPL 2025 champions, the franchise’s journey from heartbreak to triumph is now complete.
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