RCB Finally Lift IPL Trophy After 18-Year Wait – Beat PBKS by Six Runs in a Thrilling Final
Eighteen seasons. Three heartbreaking final losses. Years of chants echoing "Ee Sala Cup Namde." And now, in 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally rewritten their story — they are Indian Premier League champions at last.
In a dramatic IPL 2025 final held in Ahmedabad, RCB edged out Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs, clinching their maiden title. Chasing 191, PBKS fought valiantly, powered by a blazing 61* off 30 balls from Shashank Singh, but fell just short, finishing at 184/7.
Kohli Sets the Tone on a Challenging Pitch
RCB’s innings began with promise as Virat Kohli scored a composed 43 off 35 balls. While not his most explosive knock, Kohli’s innings was vital on an unusually two-paced Ahmedabad surface. Unlike previous matches at this venue where 196 had been the lowest first-innings score in eight games, this final featured more grip and bounce, making strokeplay difficult.
Kohli’s timing was slightly off, particularly on the pull shot, as PBKS bowlers extracted tennis-ball bounce. Despite this, he anchored the innings and ensured a platform for late hitting. Kyle Jamieson and Arshdeep Singh, with three wickets each, ensured RCB were restricted to 190/9, a total that seemed slightly below par given PBKS’s explosive form throughout the season.
PBKS’s Reply: A Spirited but Tense Chase
PBKS, who had chased 204 with ease just days earlier at the same venue, couldn’t replicate that form in the final. The pitch had changed. It wasn’t just slower — it played tricks. Prabhsimran Singh and Nehal Wadhera struggled to time the ball, managing just 41 runs from 40 balls combined.
RCB’s experienced bowlers, including Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Yash Dayal, all of whom had won IPL titles with other franchises, brought composure to the high-pressure occasion. Krunal, in particular, was exceptional. Though his batting contribution was minimal (4 off 5), he made a massive impact with the ball.
Krunal Pandya Turns the Tide
When Krunal was introduced, PBKS were neck and neck with RCB at 52/1 in six overs. His first over gave away just three runs, setting the tone. He varied his pace cleverly and attacked the stumps, creating pressure with tight lines. In his second over, he cleverly read Prabhsimran’s advance down the pitch and delivered a slower ball outside off, drawing a mistimed shot that led to a crucial dismissal.
Krunal finished with figures of 2/17, helping choke the momentum from PBKS’s chase at a pivotal time.
A Final-Over Finish
Even with wickets falling and pressure mounting, Shashank Singh kept the hopes alive for PBKS. With 29 needed off the final over, he took on Josh Hazlewood in a valiant last stand, smashing 6, 4, 6, 6. But Hazlewood’s opening two dot balls meant the damage was already done — PBKS fell short by just six runs.
Kohli’s Legacy, RCB’s Moment
As the dust settled, all eyes turned to one man — Virat Kohli. Wearing jersey No. 18, the talisman had carried the hopes of millions for nearly two decades. His innings may not have been flamboyant, but it was symbolic — a steady hand that finally led RCB to IPL glory.
This triumph isn’t just about a match or a season. It’s about years of perseverance, unwavering fan support, and a team that believed in redemption. For PBKS, the wait continues, but their spirited run in IPL 2025 has earned them respect and admiration across the cricketing world.
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