IPL 2025, Final, RCB vs PBKS: Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally break the curse, win title in 18th attempt.
Brief Scores RCB 190/9 (Virat Kohli 43, Arshdeep Singh 3/40) Beat PBKS 184/ 7 (Shashank Singh 61, Krunal Pandya 2/17) by 6 runs
After 18 long years of heartbreaks, near-misses, and relentless pursuit, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally etched their name in the history books by winning their maiden IPL title.
In a season filled with drama and determination, RCB rose to the occasion when it mattered most, delivering a spirited performance in the final against Punjab Kings (PBKS) to clinch the coveted trophy. This historic victory not only ends the franchise’s long-standing title drought but also marks a moment of redemption for a team that has endured years of scrutiny and setbacks. For the players, the fans, and the city of Bengaluru, this triumph is nothing short of monumental.
Highlights from IPL 2025 finals between RCB and PBKS:
RCB lack solid partnerships
RCB struggled to establish any meaningful partnerships during their innings in the finals against PBKS, which ultimately cost them momentum and a competitive total.
The innings started with the early dismissal of Phil Salt at just 18-1 in the second over, putting pressure on the top order. Although Mayank Agarwal and Rajat Patidar tried to rebuild, they couldn’t carry the innings far, with Agarwal departing in the 7th over and Patidar following soon as the scoreboard read 96-3. Virat Kohli, who looked poised to anchor the innings, also fell in the 15th over with the score at 131-4, leaving RCB’s middle order exposed at a crucial stage.
From there, the batting order collapsed under pressure, with wickets continuing to fall in quick succession. Liam Livingstone was dismissed in the 17th over, followed closely by Jitesh Sharma as RCB reached 171-6. The lower order failed to provide resistance, as Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar were all dismissed within the final over, leaving RCB at 190-9.
Despite a few brief cameos, no partnership lasted long enough to build sustained pressure on the PBKS bowlers. The lack of a solid, game-defining stand meant that RCB never truly gained control of their innings.
Read More: IPL 2025, Qualifier 1, PBKS vs RCB: Bengaluru reach fourth final, Punjab need to do soul-searching
Krunal Pandya brings RCB into contest
Krunal Pandya played a pivotal role in dragging RCB back into the contest with a highly disciplined and impactful bowling spell. At a time when Punjab Kings were building momentum, Krunal’s tight lines and clever variations stifled the run flow and forced mistakes from the batters.
He bowled four crucial overs, conceding just 17 runs and maintaining a miserly economy rate of 4.20—remarkable in a high-stakes final. His ability to land dot balls consistently built pressure, creating a window for RCB to claw back into the game after a shaky batting performance.
More importantly, Krunal delivered when it mattered most, picking up two key wickets at a critical juncture. His first breakthrough disrupted a growing partnership, and his second came just as PBKS looked to accelerate. His intelligent use of flight and pace variation not only contained the scoring but also sowed doubt in the minds of the opposition.
Krunal’s spell was a standout in an otherwise turbulent yet eventful evening for RCB and was instrumental in keeping their hopes alive, even as wickets tumbled around him.
Read More: IPL 2025, Qualifier 2, PBKS vs MI: IPL to get a new champion as Punjab meet Bengaluru in the final
He’s calm. He’s lethal. He’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar 🫡
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025
Was that the game-changing over?
Updates ▶ https://t.co/U5zvVhcvdo#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @krunalpandya24 pic.twitter.com/JUCT0zmR9z
Punjab’s batting crumbles in easy chase
Punjab Kings faltered under pressure as their batting lineup collapsed in what appeared to be an achievable chase. The inning was in control of PBKS but the dismissal of Priyansh Arya at 43-1 in the fifth over was followed by a continuous fall of wickets. Though Prabhsimran Singh showed some intent, his departure at 72-2 in the ninth over signaled the beginning of a steady decline.
Shreyas Iyer and Josh Inglis, both crucial to anchoring the innings, were removed cheaply, leaving Punjab reeling at 98-4 by the 13th over. Despite having wickets in hand, PBKS failed to build any meaningful partnerships, and the mounting scoreboard pressure began to take its toll.
As the required run rate climbed, desperation crept into the Punjab middle order. Nehal Wadhera and Marcus Stoinis attempted to revive the chase but fell in quick succession at 136-5 and 142-6, respectively, dashing any hopes of a late surge. The final blow came with the dismissal of Azmatullah Omarzai at 145-7 in the 18th over, effectively sealing Punjab’s fate.
The inability to stitch together even one solid partnership and the lack of composure under pressure turned a relatively simple target into a daunting one. RCB capitalised on every opportunity, applying the chokehold just when it mattered most to ensure Punjab’s batting lineup unraveled when the stakes were highest.
Read More: IPL to get a new champion in 2025: What does this moment mean for RCB & PBKS fans
Top Twitter/X Reactions from RCB vs PBKS, IPL 2025 Final
Congratulations to @RCBTweets on their first-ever IPL title. Fitting that jersey no. 18 lifts the trophy in the 18th edition.
— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 3, 2025
Well played and well deserved! 🏆 👏🏽
Well played to @PunjabKingsIPL as well for a well-fought season.
Ee sala cup nimde! @RCBTweets
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) June 3, 2025
As far as @PunjabKingsIPL is concern. They have quite a few young players and I’m sure they will try to hit the target again. You guys should be proud of yourselves for the way you played and fought thru out.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) June 3, 2025
RCB superb in defending vulnerable score. Strong body language. Shrugged off errors in the field by redoubling focus & bowled skilfully. Pandya brilliant. Kohli lacked some rhythm but still 2nd highest scorer in match. Held innings together & now holds title after an 18 year wait
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) June 3, 2025
Chiku to King 👑
— S.Badrinath (@s_badrinath) June 3, 2025
Talent to legend 🔥
Chase Master mode ON 💯
18 years for this moment.
If not now, when?#RCB : do it for Virat! #IPLFinal
Title No.1 for No.18. No one deserved it more than Virat Kohli. #RCBvPBKS #IPLFinals pic.twitter.com/YPaMzdR16b
— Wasim Jaffer (@WasimJaffer14) June 3, 2025
Romario Shepherd getting Shreyas Iyer once again. RCB this year has played like a team. Every game has seen new heroes.
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) June 3, 2025
Congratulations to @RCB on their first IPL title. Year 18 and number 18, a great story. The journey has been long but surely worth the wait.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) June 3, 2025
Read More: Shreyas Iyer’s 87*(41) in Qualifier 2 ranks at the top in terms of impact in a knockout game
