Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have etched their name in the IPL record books with a performance that fans will remember for years. In their final league match of IPL 2025, RCB not only pulled off their highest-ever run chase but also became the first team in the tournament’s 18-year history to win every away game in a single season—a feat that underscores their dominance and resilience this year.
The Unprecedented 228-Run Chase: How RCB Did It
Setting the Stage
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), powered by Rishabh Pant’s blistering 118 off 61 balls, set RCB a daunting target of 228 at the Ekana Stadium. Chasing such a total in a high-pressure, must-win game seemed improbable, but RCB’s batters rose to the occasion.
The Chase Unfolds
Powerplay Launch: Openers Phil Salt and Virat Kohli gave RCB a flying start, adding 61 runs in just 5.4 overs. Salt’s quick 30 and Kohli’s composed 54 set the tone.
Middle-Order Wobble: RCB stumbled to 123-4 by the 12th over, with LSG sniffing an opening.
Jitesh Sharma’s Heroics: Stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma unleashed a breathtaking unbeaten 85 off just 33 balls, smashing 11 sixes and 4 fours. His partnership of 107 with Mayank Agarwal (41* off 23) turned the tide, sealing victory with eight balls to spare.
RCB’s Record-Breaking Feats in IPL 2025
1. Third-Highest Successful Run Chase in IPL History
RCB’s 228/4 is now the third-highest successful chase ever in the IPL, behind only Punjab Kings’ 262 and Sunrisers Hyderabad’s 246 in previous seasons.
2. First Team With a Perfect Away Record
RCB became the first team to win all seven of their away matches in a single IPL season. Previous bests by Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians in 2012 saw seven wins each, but both teams lost one away game that year.
3. Highest Fifth-Wicket Partnership in a Chase for RCB
The 107-run stand between Jitesh Sharma and Mayank Agarwal set a new RCB record for the highest fifth-wicket (or lower) partnership in a successful run chase, surpassing the previous best of 91 by AB de Villiers and Iqbal Abdullah in 2016.
4. New Benchmark for Lower-Order Hitting
Jitesh Sharma’s 85* is now the highest score by a No. 6 or lower batsman in a successful IPL run chase, eclipsing the previous record held by MS Dhoni (70* in 2018).
What This Means for RCB’s Playoff Hopes
With this historic win, RCB finished second on the points table—matching Punjab Kings on 19 points but trailing on net run rate. This top-two finish gives them two opportunities to reach the final, a significant advantage as they aim for their maiden IPL title.
Key Takeaways From RCB’s Historic Night
Record chase: 228 runs, their highest ever and third-highest in IPL history.
Unbeaten away run: 7 out of 7 away games won, a first in IPL history.
Jitesh Sharma’s heroics: Highest score by a lower-order batsman in a chase.
Playoff momentum: Secured a top-two finish for the first time since 2016.
FAQs
1. What is RCB’s highest successful run chase in IPL history?
RCB’s highest successful run chase is 228 runs, achieved against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025.
2. Has any team ever won all their away games in an IPL season before?
No, RCB are the first team in IPL history to win every away match in a single season.
3. Who was the standout performer in RCB’s record chase?
Stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma scored an unbeaten 85 off 33 balls, anchoring the chase and breaking multiple records.
4. What records did Jitesh Sharma break in this match?
He set the record for the highest score by a No. 6 or lower batsman in a successful IPL chase and helped set RCB’s highest fifth-wicket partnership in a chase.
5. What does this win mean for RCB’s playoff chances?
RCB’s win secured them a top-two finish, giving them two opportunities to reach the IPL 2025 final.
Conclusion
RCB’s stunning 228-run chase and flawless away record have set new standards in IPL history. With momentum, belief, and a top-two finish, the Royal Challengers have turned doubters into believers and now stand just two wins away from their long-awaited maiden title. This season, RCB haven’t just played cricket—they’ve made history.