IPL 2025: RCB Clinch Top-Two Spot, Set Qualifier 1 Clash with Punjab Kings Despite Rishabh Pant’s Heroics

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured a dramatic six-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to finish second on the IPL 2025 points table, earning a spot in Qualifier 1 against table-toppers Punjab Kings. The high-octane encounter, played on Tuesday, saw RCB chase down a daunting 228-run target with eight balls remaining, thanks to a scintillating unbeaten knock of 85 off 33 balls from stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma.

Despite a stunning century by LSG captain Rishabh Pant, whose unbeaten 118 came off just 61 deliveries, LSG could not defend their imposing total of 227/3. Pant brought up his hundred in only 54 balls and was well supported by Mitchell Marsh, who hammered 67 from 37 deliveries.

In response, RCB’s chase began on a strong note with Virat Kohli smashing a 30-ball 54 and Phil Salt contributing 30 from 19 balls. However, a middle-order stumble left them at 123/4 by the 12th over. That’s when Jitesh Sharma joined forces with Mayank Agarwal, who scored a steady 41* off 23 balls. Together, they stitched an unbeaten 107-run partnership for the fifth wicket to steer RCB home and into the playoffs’ top tier for the first time in nine years.

IPL 2025 Points Table After League Stage:

1. Punjab Kings (Q) – 19 points (NRR: 0.372)
   
2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Q) – 19 points (NRR: 0.301)
   
3. Gujarat Titans (Q) – 18 points
   
4. Mumbai Indians (Q) – 16 points
   
5. Delhi Capitals (E) – 13 points
   
6. Sunrisers Hyderabad (E) – 13 points
   
7. Lucknow Super Giants (E) – 12 points
   
8. Kolkata Knight Riders (E) – 12 points
   
9. Rajasthan Royals (E) – 6 points
   
10. Chennai Super Kings (E) – 8 points
    

IPL 2025 Playoffs Schedule:

• Qualifier 1: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru – May 29, 7:30 PM, New Chandigarh
  
• Eliminator: Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians – May 30, 7:30 PM, New Chandigarh
  
• Qualifier 2: Loser of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Eliminator – June 1, 7:30 PM, Ahmedabad
  
• Final: Winner of Qualifier 1 vs Winner of Qualifier 2 – June 3, 7:30 PM, Ahmedabad
  

The high-stakes showdown between RCB and Punjab Kings on May 29 promises to be a thrilling encounter as both sides aim for a direct ticket to the IPL 2025 final.