Fans go wild as Jitesh Sharma’s fireworks guide RCB to Qualifier 1 in historic run chase against LSG

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Royal Challengers Bangalore scripted a historic night in Lucknow, achieving their highest-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) chase by overcoming a daunting target of 228 against Lucknow Super Giants. Stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma led from the front with an unbeaten 85 off just 33 balls, delivering a breathtaking performance that electrified the crowd. Virat Kohli’s quickfire fifty set the platform, while Mayank Agarwal’s steady partnership ensured momentum.

This remarkable victory not only secured RCB’s spot in Qualifier 1 but also ended their nine-year wait to finish inside the top two of the points table. Lucknow’s Rishabh Pant scored a magnificent 118, but his efforts couldn’t prevent LSG from slipping to seventh place. RCB will now face Punjab Kings in the playoffs with renewed confidence and home-like momentum, having won all seven away matches this season.

Jitesh’s innings was a flawless display of power hitting and composure under pressure. Coming in after Kohli’s dismissal, Jitesh blazed his way to a match-winning 85 not out with eight sixes and six boundaries, smashing his maiden IPL fifty in a mere 22 balls. His aggressive assault particularly targeted left-arm spinner Shahbaz Ahmed and pacer Will O’Rourke, who conceded 74 runs in a dismal four-over spell. Jitesh’s ability to accelerate in the death overs was crucial, especially during the 18th over when he scored 20 runs off O’Rourke.  Mayank Agarwal’s steady 43 off 34 deliveries complemented Jitesh’s aggression perfectly, building a vital 107-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Jitesh’s leadership improved as the innings progressed, guiding RCB to a historic win and earning him Player of the Match honors.

Kohli’s blistering 54 off 30 balls set an aggressive tone early on, including a world record for becoming the first batter to score 9,000 runs for a single franchise in T20 cricket. Opening alongside Phil Salt, they amassed 61 runs in just 5.4 overs, exploiting a weakened LSG bowling attack. However, LSG fought back with key wickets from Will O’Rourke, who dismissed Rajat Patidar and Liam Livingstone in quick succession.

Earlier Pant’s valiant 118 off 61 balls, his first IPL century in seven years , Lucknow’s bowlers struggled to contain the relentless RCB chase. Pant’s innings, including a crucial 50 partnership with Mitchell Marsh, was a bright spot for LSG but ultimately wasn’t enough. The defeat relegated Lucknow to seventh place, ending their playoff hopes despite a strong finish to their league campaign.

Also WATCH: IPL 2025: LSG captain Rishabh Pant marks return to form with blazing ton and ‘Somersault’ celebration vs RCB

JITESH SHARMA. REMEMBER THE NAME. 🛐

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 27, 2025

Jitesh Sharma has looked good in few occasions this season but this has to be his best inning. Came at the most crucial phase of the league.

— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 27, 2025

What a crazy knock man!!! Will be remembered by all RCB fans for a long long time. Bow down to the captain. Jitesh 'Clutch' Sharma

— Abhyudaya Mohan (@AbhyudayaMohan) May 27, 2025

Risabh Pant stood tall today despite his team's loss. First a stunning hundred and later withdraws run out appeal against Jitesh Sharma. Pant shows there's more to sports than just winning and losing.

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) May 27, 2025

RCB looked set to finish at 3, but Jitesh and Mayank had other plans! Take a bow @jiteshsharma_ and @mayankcricket 👏🏻👏🏻 Good to see @RishabhPant17 doing Rishabh Pant things with the bat too 👏🏻 #LSGvRCB #IPL2025

— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) May 27, 2025

Congrats bro.

— Danish Sait (@DanishSait) May 27, 2025

🚨 RCB – 1ST TEAM IN HISTORY TO WIN 7 AWAY GAMES IN AN IPL SEASON. 🚨

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 27, 2025

RCB took the revenge with interest

— Sagar (@sagarcasm) May 27, 2025

Congrats to PBKS and RCB on getting the much deserved 1 and 2 spot. Will be a great Q1 hopefully on Thursday.

— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) May 27, 2025

JITESH SHARMA, TAKE A BOW! 🙇‍♂️🔥

RCB chased down a massive 227, and it was Jitesh Sharma who stood tall as the hero of the night! 💥

His best knock in IPL history, delivered when it mattered the most.

A fearless, match-winning innings that keeps RCB’s dream alive! ❤️👏…

— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) May 27, 2025

Also READ: Fans erupt in jubilation as Rishabh Pant breaks IPL 2025 jinx with a 54-ball century for LSG vs RCB