The much-anticipated IPL 2025 Final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) lived up to the hype, bringing cricket fans to the edge of their seats. With RCB posting a fighting total of 190/9 in 20 overs at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the Punjab bowlers emerged as the real heroes of the first innings. They held their nerve under pressure and restricted Bengaluru from reaching the expected 200-run mark on a batting-friendly surface.
Here’s a deep dive into how the first innings unfolded and why this final could go down as one of the most thrilling climaxes in IPL history.
A High-Octane Start at the World’s Largest Stadium
IPL 2025 Final, The atmosphere in Ahmedabad was electric as fans flooded the stadium hours before the match. The pre-match ceremony, including a heartfelt musical tribute to the Indian Armed Forces by legendary singer Shankar Mahadevan, set the tone for an evening filled with excitement and emotion.
With both teams eyeing their maiden IPL title, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. RCB, led by Shreyas Iyer, won the toss and chose to bat first, hoping to put scoreboard pressure on Punjab Kings, captained by Rajat Patidar.
RCB’s Innings: A Mixed Bag of Power and Caution
IPL 2025 Final, RCB began the innings with positive intent. Openers Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli started cautiously, navigating the swing of Arshdeep Singh and Kyle Jamieson. Faf departed early, but it was Kohli’s innings that drew mixed reactions from fans and experts alike.
Virat Kohli’s 43 off 34: A Slow Burn Under Fire
In a match that demanded a strike rate above 150, Kohli’s 43 off 34 balls was viewed by many as an innings that lacked aggression. While the Indian stalwart anchored one end, critics argued that his approach stalled momentum, especially during the crucial middle overs. He was eventually dismissed trying to up the ante, but by then, the run rate had already taken a hit.
Middle Order Steps Up
Thankfully for RCB, the middle order came to the rescue. Glenn Maxwell played a fiery cameo, smashing 36 off just 18 deliveries, while Dinesh Karthik added 28 in quick time. Mahipal Lomror also contributed with a crucial 21-run knock that ensured RCB crossed the 180-mark.
However, the final flourish never came. Credit goes to the disciplined death bowling by Punjab.
Punjab Kings Bowlers: The Real Game Changers
Arshdeep Singh: The Yorker Specialist
One of the standout performers of the night was Arshdeep Singh, who bowled with fire and precision. Finishing with figures of 3/27, Arshdeep nailed his yorkers and slower deliveries to perfection. His over in the 18th was pivotal in choking the runs.
Kyle Jamieson: Height Meets Accuracy
The tall Kiwi pacer Kyle Jamieson extracted bounce and bowled clever slower balls. He finished with figures of 2/30, and his dismissal of Maxwell came at a critical juncture.
Supporting Acts
IPL 2025 Final, The supporting cast of Harpreet Brar, Rahul Chahar, and Sam Curran also chipped in with economical overs. They kept the pressure intact, ensuring that RCB couldn’t fully explode at the backend. The final three overs yielded just 22 runs a massive win for PBKS, considering the firepower RCB had.
Pitch Report: A Run-Fest in the Making
IPL 2025 Final, Before the toss, analysts called it a batting paradise, with even bounce and short square boundaries. A first innings score of 200+ was the par expectation, making RCB’s 190 seem a tad below par. However, finals bring pressure and that often trumps conditions.
The Road Ahead: Can PBKS Chase History?
With a target of 191 to win, the Punjab Kings are now 20 overs away from creating history. They’ve never lifted the IPL 2025 Final, trophy despite coming close on several occasions. The likes of Shikhar Dhawan, Liam Livingstone, Jonny Bairstow, and Sam Curran will be key in the run chase.
The big question: Can they hold their nerve and script a fairy tale finish?
Virat Kohli: A Hero Under Scrutiny
Kohli’s legacy in the IPL 2025 Final, is untouchable, but this knock could spark debates about his approach in high-stakes matches. While his presence at the crease adds stability, critics argue that T20 demands aggressive intent throughout. Regardless, his fans stood by him, chanting his name as he walked back a testament to his unmatched popularity.
Social Media Buzz
The IPL 2025 final quickly became a top trending topic on Twitter (now X), with hashtags like:
- #RCBvsPBKS
- #IPL2025Final
- #Kohli
- #Arshdeep
- #PBKSOnFire
Fans praised Arshdeep’s brilliance, with memes and reactions flooding timelines. Some even compared his performance to legendary death bowlers like Lasith Malinga.
What’s at Stake?
Both RCB and PBKS have had emotional roller-coaster journeys in IPL 2025 Final, over the years. For RCB, it’s a shot at finally shedding the underachievers tag. For PBKS, it’s a chance to become champions for the first time in 17 seasons.
The second innings will not just decide the winner it will determine which fanbase gets long-awaited redemption.
The Battle Is On
With 190 on the board, RCB have given themselves a fighting chance, but the Punjab batting lineup is stacked with match-winners. If the PBKS batters can manage the pressure and play smart cricket, we could witness a new name being etched on the IPL trophy.
Whether it’s RCB’s redemption or PBKS’s maiden glory, one thing’s certain: IPL 2025 Final, is going out with a bang!
Stay tuned for the second innings update as cricket’s biggest night reaches its thrilling conclusion!
For the full scoop and in-depth analysis, read the complete report on www.espncricinfo.com
