RCB vs PBKS Scorecard: The IPL 2025 Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium kicked off with fireworks as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) posted a competitive total of 190/9 in 20 overs, setting the stage for a thrilling climax to the season. The Punjab Kings (PBKS), who won the toss and chose to bowl first, put up a spirited performance with the ball, led by the pace duo of Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson, both claiming three wickets each.
Kohli Anchors the Innings, but Middle-Order Fireworks Boost RCB
Batting first under high pressure, Phil Salt gave RCB a quick start with a fiery 16 off 9 balls but fell early to Kyle Jamieson. Virat Kohli, the veteran and heartbeat of RCB, anchored the innings with a composed 43 off 35 balls, striking three boundaries, although he struggled to find rhythm on a two-paced wicket. His dismissal—caught and bowled by Azmatullah Omarzai—at a crucial juncture in the 15th over shifted momentum back to PBKS.
Meanwhile, Mayank Agarwal (24 off 18) and Rajat Patidar (26 off 16) kept the scoreboard ticking, but it was the finishing efforts from Liam Livingstone (25 off 15) and Jitesh Sharma (24 off 10) that pushed RCB close to the 200-run mark.
PBKS Bowlers Peg RCB Back in Death Overs
Just when RCB looked poised to cross the 200-run barrier, the PBKS bowlers struck with surgical precision. Arshdeep Singh was the standout bowler, finishing with impressive figures of 3/40, including key scalps of Krunal Pandya (4 off 5) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (1 off 2) in the final over. His pinpoint yorkers and variations proved effective on a flat Ahmedabad deck.
Kyle Jamieson returned figures of 3/48, including the vital wickets of Salt, Patidar, and Livingstone. His bounce and clever slower balls caused significant damage during the powerplay and middle overs.
Azmatullah Omarzai (1/35), Vyshak Vijay Kumar (1/30), and Yuzvendra Chahal (1/37) supported well, each chipping in with crucial breakthroughs to prevent any massive partnerships from forming.
Fall of Wickets – A Tense Progression
RCB’s innings saw wickets falling just as partnerships began to bloom:
- 18/1 – Phil Salt (1.4 ov)
- 56/2 – Mayank Agarwal (6.2 ov)
- 96/3 – Rajat Patidar (10.5 ov)
- 131/4 – Virat Kohli (14.5 ov)
- 167/5 – Liam Livingstone (16.5 ov)
- 171/6 – Jitesh Sharma (17.4 ov)
- 188/7 – Romario Shepherd (19.2 ov)
- 189/8 – Krunal Pandya (19.4 ov)
- 190/9 – Bhuvneshwar Kumar (19.6 ov)
RCB’s Scorecard Snapshot:
- Virat Kohli – 43 (35)
- Jitesh Sharma – 24 (10)
- Liam Livingstone – 25 (15)
- Mayank Agarwal – 24 (18)
- Rajat Patidar (C) – 26 (16)
- Phil Salt – 16 (9)
- Romario Shepherd – 17 (9)
Extras: 9 (all wides)
Total: 190/9 in 20 overs
PBKS Bowling Figures:
- Arshdeep Singh: 4-0-40-3
- Kyle Jamieson: 4-0-48-3
- Azmatullah Omarzai: 4-0-35-1
- Vyshak Vijay Kumar: 4-0-30-1
- Yuzvendra Chahal: 4-0-37-1
What’s Next: PBKS Set for a Chase of 191 in IPL 2025 Final
With a solid total on the board, all eyes will now turn to PBKS’ batting unit. Can Shikhar Dhawan’s side chase down 191 under pressure to clinch their maiden IPL title? Or will RCB’s bowling attack, led by Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, defend the total and finally lift their first ever IPL trophy?
