RCB vs PBKS Final 2025: A Thrilling Clash for the IPL Crown

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season culminated in an electrifying final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. After weeks of intense competition, the two teams battled fiercely for the coveted trophy in a match that will be remembered for years to come.

Road to the Final

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Journey

RCB, led by their inspirational captain Faf du Plessis, had a roller-coaster season. Known for their star-studded lineup but infamous for never lifting the IPL trophy, RCB entered the playoffs with a mix of explosive batting and improved bowling. Virat Kohli, in sublime form, was the leading run-scorer of the season, while young talents like Rajat Patidar and Will Jacks provided crucial contributions.

The bowling attack, often RCB’s Achilles’ heel, stepped up this season. Mohammed Siraj, Reece Topley, and spin wizard Karn Sharma delivered match-winning spells. Their journey to the final included a dramatic Qualifier 1 victory over defending champions Chennai Super Kings, where Kohli’s century sealed the deal.

Punjab Kings’ Remarkable Turnaround

PBKS, under the leadership of Shikhar Dhawan, defied expectations. Known for inconsistency in previous seasons, Punjab relied on a balanced squad with explosive openers (Jonny Bairstow and Dhawan), a solid middle order (Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma), and a lethal bowling attack (Kagiso Rabada, Arshdeep Singh, and Rahul Chahar).

Their road to the final was thrilling, with a last-ball win against Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator and a stunning chase against Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2. Livingstone’s power-hitting and Rabada’s death-over brilliance were key factors in their success.

The Grand Finale: RCB vs PBKS

First Innings: RCB’s Batting Masterclass

Winning the toss, PBKS elected to bowl, hoping to exploit early swing. However, RCB’s openers, Kohli and du Plessis, had other plans. The duo put on a 90-run partnership in the first 10 overs, with Kohli playing classical shots and Faf unleashing his signature aggression.

PBKS struck back with Rabada dismissing Faf (45 off 30), but Kohli continued his dominance, reaching his second consecutive century in the playoffs. Cameos from Glenn Maxwell (28 off 12) and Dinesh Karthik (18* off 7) propelled RCB to a formidable 205/5 in 20 overs.

PBKS’ Chase: A Nail-Biting Contest

In response, PBKS started aggressively, with Bairstow smashing 50 off just 22 balls. Dhawan played the anchor role, but RCB’s spinners—Karn Sharma and Maxwell—slowed the scoring. The game turned when Siraj removed Dhawan (42 off 35), bringing Livingstone to the crease.

The English all-rounder went berserk, hitting sixes at will. With 28 needed off the last two overs, the match hung in the balance. Topley conceded just 7 runs in the 19th over, leaving PBKS needing 21 off the final over, bowled by Harshal Patel.

Livingstone smashed two sixes, bringing the equation down to 6 off 2 balls. But in a dramatic twist, Harshal bowled a perfect slower ball, trapping Livingstone (68 off 32) LBW. With 6 needed off the last ball, Jitesh Sharma could only manage a four, and RCB won by 1 run in a heart-stopping finish.

Key Performances

• Virat Kohli (RCB) – 108* off 60 balls (Player of the Match)
• Liam Livingstone (PBKS) – 68 off 32 (Fighting knock in vain)
• Mohammed Siraj (RCB) – 2/28 in 4 overs (Crucial breakthroughs)
• Kagiso Rabada (PBKS) – 3/40 in 4 overs (Kept PBKS in the game)

Emotional Victory for RCB

After 16 long years, RCB finally lifted their maiden IPL trophy. Kohli, in tears, dedicated the win to the loyal fans who had waited endlessly for this moment. Faf du Plessis praised the team’s resilience, while coach Sanjay Bangar hailed the bowling unit’s improvement.

For PBKS, it was a heartbreaking loss, but their incredible campaign earned respect. Dhawan promised to come back stronger next season.

Conclusion

The IPL 2025 final was a perfect advertisement for T20 cricket—high stakes, superstar performances, and last-over drama. RCB’s triumph ended years of near-misses, while PBKS proved they are no longer underdogs. As the celebrations began in Bengaluru, cricket fans worldwide savored one of the greatest IPL finals ever.

Final Scorecard:

• RCB: 205/5 (Kohli 108*, Faf 45, Rabada 3/40)
• PBKS: 204/6 (Livingstone 68, Bairstow 50, Siraj 2/28)
• Result: RCB won by 1 run

The IPL 2025 season will be remembered for RCB’s fairytale ending and PBKS’ valiant fight. Cricket was the ultimate winner!

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