IPL 2025 Final, RCB vs PBKS LIVE Cricket Score: Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeat Punjab Kings to clinch their first-ever IPL title in Ahmedabad.
RCB Crowned IPL Champions for the First Time After 18-Year Wait!
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Historic Night in Ahmedabad as Royal Challengers Bengaluru Defeat Punjab Kings by 6 Runs!
In a night etched in IPL history, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their maiden IPL title, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs in a thrilling IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad. After years of heartbreak and near misses, RCB finally lifted the coveted trophy, with Virat Kohli overcome by emotion, shedding tears as the long-standing dream came true.
RCB Post Competitive 190 Despite Early Setbacks
Batting first after PBKS skipper Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to field, RCB posted 190/9 in their 20 overs. The innings was anchored by Virat Kohli, who scored 43 off 35 balls, although his approach was more measured than explosive. He was supported by Mayank Agarwal (24) and Rajat Patidar, but the PBKS bowlers struck regularly to keep RCB in check.
Kyle Jamieson and Arshdeep Singh picked up three wickets each, halting RCB’s charge. Despite a solid powerplay, RCB’s scoring momentum dipped in the middle overs. Contributions from the lower order proved vital as the side clawed its way to a par total.
Punjab Kings Falter in Chase Despite Late Flourish
Chasing 191 for victory, PBKS had a promising start with openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh putting up 43 runs in the first five overs. However, Josh Hazlewood broke the stand with a sharp delivery, caught brilliantly in the deep by Phil Salt.
Shreyas Iyer’s dismissal for just 1 by Romario Shepherd, followed by Nehal Wadhera and Marcus Stoinis falling in quick succession to Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the 17th over, left Punjab reeling. Despite a valiant 22-run effort from Shashank Singh in the final over, PBKS fell short by six runs, finishing at 184/7.
Virat Kohli in Tears After Finally Lifting the IPL Trophy
The emotional highlight of the evening came as the final ball was bowled. Virat Kohli—who has been with RCB since the inception of the IPL in 2008—broke down in tears, embraced by teammates who rushed to congratulate him.
“I’ve given this team everything—my youth, my prime, every ounce of energy,” Kohli told broadcasters. “To finally win it after 18 years is an unbelievable feeling. I never thought this day would come.”
Key Performances in the Final
- RCB 190/9 (20 overs)
- Top scorer: Virat Kohli (43 off 35)
- Best bowlers (PBKS): Kyle Jamieson (3/48), Arshdeep Singh (3/40)
- PBKS 184/7 (20 overs)
- Top scorer: Shashank Singh (22* off final over)
- Best bowlers (RCB): Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2 wickets), Krunal Pandya (2/17)
Krunal Pandya Named Player of the Final
Krunal Pandya’s economical spell of 2/17 in four overs was pivotal in restricting PBKS during the middle phase of their innings. He dismissed key batter Josh Inglis and stifled the run rate when it mattered most, earning him the Player of the Match award.
Reactions from Both Camps
Rajat Patidar (RCB Captain):
“This win is for Virat Kohli and our fans. After Qualifier 1, we believed we could do it. 190 was a good score on this surface. The way Krunal bowled was match-defining. And credit to the entire bowling unit for holding their nerve.”
Shreyas Iyer (PBKS Captain):
“Of course, disappointed. But proud of the boys. We believed 200 was a par score, but Krunal’s spell changed the game. Our young players showed great courage. We’ll be back stronger next year.”
Emotional Tributes and Team Unity
RCB’s wicketkeeper-batter Jitesh Sharma dedicated the win to Kohli, acknowledging his 18-year wait. “When you play for someone else, magic happens. We played this season for Virat.”
Kohli also acknowledged AB de Villiers’ legacy, calling the win equally his. “What ABD has done for this franchise is unforgettable. He deserves to be on the podium as much as anyone here.”
Individual Awards – IPL 2025
- Orange Cap: Sai Sudharsan
- Purple Cap: Prasidh Krishna
- MVP of the Season: Suryakumar Yadav
- Emerging Player: Sai Sudharsan
- Most Sixes: Nicholas Pooran
- Most Fours: Sai Sudharsan
- Most Dot Balls: Mohammed Siraj
- Catch of the Season: Kamindu Mendis
- Fair Play Award: Chennai Super Kings
A Moment 18 Years in the Making
The night of June 3, 2025, will go down as one of the most emotional and celebrated moments in IPL history. With a mix of tears, joy, and relief, RCB finally shed the tag of perennial underachievers. For Virat Kohli and millions of RCB fans around the world, the long wait is over—Ee Sala Cup Namdu is now a reality.
