The IPL 2025 Final was nothing short of a cricketing spectacle, as Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) faced off against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a high-octane clash that had fans on the edge of their seats. With decades of anticipation and heartbreak behind them, RCB finally had their golden opportunity to etch their name in IPL history. From breathtaking sixes to game-changing wickets, here’s a complete recap of all the big moments from the grand finale.
🏟️ Match Overview
- Final Match: IPL 2025 Final
- Teams: Royal Challengers Bangalore vs Punjab Kings
- Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
- Date: May 24, 2025
- Result: RCB won by 14 runs
- Player of the Match: Virat Kohli
🧨 RCB’s Explosive Batting Start
Winning the toss and electing to bat, RCB got off to a blazing start thanks to Virat Kohli and Faf du Plessis. Kohli looked determined from the first ball and played a masterclass innings under pressure.
Key Highlights:
- Kohli scored a magnificent 88 off 52 balls, including 10 fours and 3 sixes.
- Du Plessis added a solid 42 off 30, ensuring a strong powerplay.
- Glenn Maxwell chipped in with a quickfire 27 off 14 to keep the momentum going.
RCB ended their innings at 192/6, setting a competitive target for PBKS.
🔥 Punjab Kings’ Fightback with the Ball
Despite the batting onslaught, Arshdeep Singh and Sam Curran kept PBKS in the contest.
Top Bowling Performances:
- Arshdeep Singh took 3 wickets, including the key dismissal of Maxwell.
- Rahul Chahar bowled economically in the middle overs.
- Sam Curran picked 2 late wickets to restrict RCB from crossing 200.
💥 PBKS Chase – Early Shocks and Brave Recovery
Chasing 193 in a high-pressure final, Punjab Kings lost early wickets, with RCB’s Mohammed Siraj and Reece Topley striking in the powerplay.
Fall of Key Wickets:
- Prabhsimran Singh – bowled by Siraj for 4
- Liam Livingstone – caught at deep midwicket off Topley
- Shikhar Dhawan – run out after a mix-up with Bairstow
At 52/4, things looked grim for PBKS until Jonny Bairstow and Jitesh Sharma reignited hope.
🎯 RCB’s Bowling Brilliance Seals the Trophy
Just when PBKS seemed to claw back, RCB's bowlers tightened the screws.
Bowling Highlights:
- Siraj’s spell of 3/28 turned the match around in the death overs.
- Topley bowled the 19th over, conceding just 6 runs and taking a crucial wicket.
- Karn Sharma took a key wicket in the middle overs and broke the Bairstow-Jitesh partnership.
PBKS ended at 178/8, falling short by 14 runs as RCB celebrated a historic victory.
🏆 Virat Kohli – The Hero of the Final
In what could go down as one of his most memorable IPL innings, Kohli’s knock of 88 under high pressure not only earned him the Player of the Match but also the love and admiration of millions of fans. His composure, strokeplay, and leadership defined the match.
🎉 Emotional RCB Victory: First IPL Trophy
After years of near-misses and heartbreaks, RCB finally lifted their maiden IPL trophy in 2025. The players erupted in joy as Kohli, du Plessis, and coach Sanjay Bangar embraced emotionally. The fans, many of whom waited over a decade, had their dreams fulfilled.
🔑 Key Moments Recap
- ✅ Kohli’s 88 anchors RCB’s innings
- ✅ Siraj strikes early and late, takes 3 wickets
- ✅ Topley’s 19th over shuts down PBKS momentum
- ✅ Bairstow’s 60 goes in vain
- ✅ RCB wins by 14 runs and clinches first-ever IPL title
📊 Final Scorecard Snapshot
RCB – 192/6 (20 overs)
- Virat Kohli – 88 (52)
- Faf du Plessis – 42 (30)
- Glenn Maxwell – 27 (14)
- Arshdeep Singh – 3/34
PBKS – 178/8 (20 overs)
- Jonny Bairstow – 60 (38)
- Jitesh Sharma – 35 (22)
- Mohammed Siraj – 3/28
- Reece Topley – 2/32
📢 Social Media Reactions and Fan Frenzy
Social media exploded as RCB lifted the trophy:
- #RCBWin trended worldwide
- Former players, celebrities, and fans poured in congratulations
- Memes, emotional videos, and celebrations flooded timelines
🎤 Post-Match Quotes
Virat Kohli: “This is what we waited for. It means everything to us and to the fans. RCB forever!”
Faf du Plessis: “Credit to the team, the support staff, and every supporter who stood by us.”
🏁 Final Word: A Night to Remember
The IPL 2025 Final was not just a match—it was a culmination of dreams, resilience, and redemption. RCB's triumph over PBKS will be etched in IPL history as a glorious chapter of perseverance and passion.
Cricket fans around the world witnessed a perfect finale to an unforgettable season. And for RCB, the wait is finally over—they are champions at last.