source : BCCI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally ended their 18-year wait for an IPL title, defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs in a gripping final at Ahmedabad. Virat Kohli’s composed 43 and a collective bowling effort from Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and Yash Dayal saw RCB defend 190 for 9, despite a late onslaught from Shashank Singh that brought PBKS agonizingly close at 184 for 7.
Kohli’s knock may not have been flashy, but it was critical on a pitch where stroke-making wasn’t easy. His 43 off 35 balls anchored the innings, while Phil Salt and Rajat Patidar added brief fireworks. However, Kyle Jamieson’s variations helped PBKS keep RCB in check through the middle overs. It was Jitesh Sharma’s brisk 24 off 10 that lifted RCB near 200, though Arshdeep Singh’s brilliant final over restricted them under that mark.
PBKS’s chase mirrored RCB’s start but lost momentum when Shreyas Iyer top-edged a slash and Inglis, after a blistering cameo, fell trying to clear long-on. Krunal Pandya, bowling with guile and subtle variations, derailed the chase by removing Prabhsimran and applying pressure in the middle overs. With 29 needed off the final six balls, Shashank Singh smashed 6, 4, 6, 6 off Hazlewood, but it came too late.
This long-awaited triumph belonged to Kohli, whose leadership and resilience carried RCB through the highs and lows of another intense season. For PBKS, Shashank’s unbeaten 61 and Inglis’ fearless hitting were bright spots in an otherwise heartbreaking night. RCB are champions at last, and Kohli’s legacy now carries the IPL trophy it long deserved.
