oyal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Punjab Kings in the IPL final by six runs, leaving Virat Kohli in tears at the end of the game.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Win Maiden IPL Title in Thrilling Finish.
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A Long-Awaited Victory for RCB
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally claimed their first Indian Premier League (IPL) title, defeating Punjab Kings by six runs in a gripping final at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The victory, marking the end of the 18th IPL season, ended RCB’s 18-year quest for the coveted trophy after finishing as runners-up in 2009, 2011, and 2016. The match showcased stellar performances, tactical brilliance, and emotional moments, with Virat Kohli leading the charge for RCB.
RCB’s Batting: Kohli Anchors, Late Fireworks Deliver
Put in to bat, RCB posted a competitive 9-190 in their 20 overs. Virat Kohli, a cornerstone of the franchise since 2008, top-scored with a steady 43 off 35 balls, though his uncharacteristically measured knock included just three fours. Early on, Phil Salt fell for 16, slowing RCB’s momentum. However, Kohli forged key partnerships with Mayank Agarwal (24) and captain Rajat Patidar (26), keeping the scoreboard moving.
The innings gained impetus in the death overs, thanks to Jitesh Sharma’s explosive 24 off 10 balls, featuring two sixes and two fours, and Liam Livingstone’s 25 off 15, also with two sixes. Their late assault lifted RCB from 4-131 in 14.5 overs to a formidable total. Punjab’s bowling attack was led by Arshdeep Singh (3-40) and Kyle Jamieson (3-48), who shared six wickets but couldn’t curb the late surge.
Punjab’s Chase: A Promising Start Falters
Punjab Kings began their chase confidently, with openers Priyansh Arya (24) and Prabhsimran Singh (26) putting on 43 runs in five overs. However, RCB’s bowlers, led by Krunal Pandya’s exceptional 2-17 in four overs, turned the tide. Pandya struck after the powerplay, removing Prabhsimran, who struggled after an early dropped catch. The game’s turning point came in the 10th over when Shreyas Iyer was caught behind for just one off Romario Shepherd.
Australia’s Josh Inglis provided hope with a brisk 39 off 23 balls, including four sixes, but his dismissal by Pandya in the 13th over left Punjab reeling. Despite a valiant unbeaten 61 off 30 balls from Shashank Singh, which included six sixes, Punjab finished at 7-184. Josh Hazlewood, despite an expensive 1-54, held his nerve in the final over, defending 29 runs to seal the victory.
Kohli’s Emotional Triumph
The victory was particularly poignant for Virat Kohli, who was overcome with emotion as the final ball was bowled. Having played every IPL season for RCB since its inception, Kohli spoke of the win’s significance: “This is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It’s been 18 long years. I’ve given my youth, my prime—everything I have. I never thought this day would come.” His season tally of 700 runs in 16 matches underscored his consistency, finishing third among the IPL’s top run-scorers.
Key Performers and Tactical Brilliance
Krunal Pandya’s disciplined bowling was the standout, with his 2-17 proving decisive in derailing Punjab’s chase. RCB’s middle-order contributions and late-order aggression ensured a defendable total, while their fielding, highlighted by Phil Salt’s acrobatic boundary catch, added crucial moments. For Punjab, Shashank Singh’s lone fight and the early impetus from Arya and Prabhsimran weren’t enough to overcome RCB’s bowling attack.
A Milestone for RCB Fans
This triumph marks a historic moment for RCB’s loyal fanbase, who have endured years of near-misses. The victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium not only cements RCB’s place in IPL history but also highlights the resilience of a team led by Kohli’s unwavering commitment. As celebrations continue, RCB’s maiden title sets the stage for an exciting future in the world’s premier T20 tournament.
