How Royal Challengers Bengaluru Aced Their Journey to the IPL 2025 Finals
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has secured a top-two position in the IPL 2025 standings, marking a significant step in their quest for their first IPL title. The team is set to face Punjab Kings in the final match on June 3. RCB’s journey to the finals has been dotted with impressive performances and a mix of triumphs and setbacks throughout the season.
RCB’s Strong Start to the Season
RCB kicked off their IPL 2025 campaign with a convincing victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), winning by seven wickets. KKR set a competitive target of 175 runs, but RCB’s chase was spearheaded by Virat Kohli, who scored a notable 59 runs off 36 balls. The match was ultimately decided by Krunal Pandya’s exceptional bowling performance, where he took three wickets for just 29 runs in four overs, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Following this, RCB faced Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and dominated the game, winning by 50 runs. After posting a target of 197 runs, RCB’s bowlers restricted CSK to a mere 146 runs. Rajat Patidar made a significant contribution with a half-century, scoring 50 runs off 32 balls, and was named Player of the Match. However, RCB faced their first defeat against Gujarat Titans, where they fell short while defending a total of 169 runs, with Mohammed Siraj taking three wickets against his former team.
Resilience and Key Performances
After their initial loss, RCB bounced back with a 12-run victory against Mumbai Indians. They posted an impressive 221 runs, and despite MI’s efforts to chase, they ended with 209 runs. Rajat Patidar again shone with the bat, scoring 64 runs off 32 balls. RCB’s momentum was briefly halted by Delhi Capitals, who chased down RCB’s total of 163 runs, thanks to KL Rahul’s stunning 93 runs.
RCB continued their push for the playoffs with a commanding nine-wicket win over Rajasthan Royals, easily chasing down a target of 174 runs. Phil Salt and Virat Kohli were instrumental in this match, scoring 65 and 62 not out, respectively. Another setback came against Punjab Kings in a rain-affected match, where RCB managed only 95 runs, leading to a five-wicket loss. Tim David’s explosive 50 off 26 balls earned him the Player of the Match, despite RCB’s struggles.
Clutch Performances Leading to the Finals
RCB managed to exact revenge on Punjab Kings shortly after their earlier loss, winning by seven wickets. Chasing a target of 158 runs, Virat Kohli played a stellar innings, scoring 73 runs, which earned him the Player of the Match title. The team continued to build momentum with a close victory over Rajasthan Royals, where Kohli led the charge with a score of 70 runs, while Josh Hazlewood’s bowling performance of four wickets for 33 runs ensured RCB’s victory.
In a crucial match against Delhi Capitals, RCB secured a comfortable win by six wickets, with Krunal Pandya scoring 73 runs off 47 balls. They also pulled off a nail-biting two-run victory against CSK in their second encounter, showcasing their competitive spirit. The season’s final league match saw RCB achieving their highest-ever chase against Lucknow Super Giants, scoring 228 runs while chasing down Rishabh Pant’s remarkable 118.
With a record of strong performances, RCB advanced to the finals after a dominant display against Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1, where they bowled PBKS out for just 101 runs. The chase was completed in just 10 overs, with Phil Salt leading the charge with an unbeaten 57 runs. As RCB prepares for the final, they will look to capitalize on their strong season and secure their first IPL title.
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