Jitesh Sharma’s whirlwind knock flattens Lucknow as RCB storm into Qualifier 1

Jitesh Sharma delivered an innings for the ages as Royal Challengers Bengaluru pulled off an astonishing chase to topple Lucknow Super Giants and storm into the top two of the IPL 2025 standings.

In what turned out to be an instant classic, RCB hunted down a colossal 228-run target, their highest successful run-chase in IPL history, on the final day of the league stage, ensuring a direct ticket to Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings.

The match had all the makings of a blockbuster, and RCB delivered under pressure in style. Earlier, Rishabh Pant had lit up the venue with a dazzling, unbeaten 118 off 61 balls, guiding LSG to an imposing 227/3. Mitchell Marsh had played a key role with a fluent 67 off 37, but RCB’s chase would later render even Pant’s brilliance insufficient.

Faced with a daunting total, RCB approached the chase with calculated aggression. The openers provided a brisk start, but it was the middle-order fireworks led by Jitesh Sharma that turned the tide. Coming in with the asking rate hovering above 11, Sharma unfurled a breathtaking array of shots, effortless pulls, inventive scoops, and fearless slog sweeps, demoralising the LSG bowlers in real time.

Sharma’s knock was a masterclass in power-hitting under pressure. With each passing over, he dismantled the opposition’s plans and silenced the crowd with crisp, clinical execution. His ability to find boundaries at will allowed RCB to stay ahead of the required rate, and the momentum never truly shifted back to LSG after the halfway mark.

While LSG tried to claw back through Marsh’s medium pace and a few clever slower balls, RCB’s batting depth came to the fore. Every player who walked in contributed to the tempo, with the lower order ensuring there were no nerves in the final overs. Sharma fittingly finished unbeaten, as RCB crossed the line with balls to spare.

This remarkable chase not only secured two crucial points but also lifted RCB to second place on the points table. After an inconsistent start to the season, the Bengaluru outfit timed their resurgence to perfection, stringing together wins at the right juncture.

As they now look ahead to Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings, RCB will draw confidence from the composure and firepower they displayed in this nerve-wracking contest. Their dream of lifting a maiden IPL trophy is very much alive, and on the evidence of this performance, they might just be peaking at the perfect moment.

This article first appeared on Mid Day