Jitesh Sharma Surpasses MS Dhoni, Creates IPL History
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) secured a top-two finish in IPL 2025 by defeating Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their final league match.
With this win, RCB have earned a place in Qualifier 1, where they will face Punjab Kings on May 29. This marks RCB's first appearance in Qualifier 1 in nine years.
Wicketkeeper-batter and RCB captain Jitesh Sharma delivered a sensational performance, playing an unbeaten knock of 85 runs from just 33 balls. His innings, featuring 8 fours and 6 sixes, set a new IPL record for the highest score by a batter at No. 6 or lower during a successful run chase.
Previously, the record was held by MS Dhoni, who scored 70* off 34 balls for Chennai Super Kings against RCB in 2018.
Top 5 Scores at No. 6 or Lower in a Successful IPL Run Chase: 1. Jitesh Sharma: 85* runs, 33 balls, RCB vs LSG, 2025 | 2. MS Dhoni: 70* runs, 34 balls, CSK vs RCB, 2018 | 3. Andre Russell: 70* runs, 31 balls, KKR vs PBKS, 2022 | 4. Kieron Pollard: 70 runs, 47 balls, MI vs RCB, 2017 | 5. Dwayne Bravo: 68 runs, 30 balls, CSK vs MI, 2018.
Jitesh Sharma was ably supported by Mayank Agarwal, who scored an unbeaten 41 off 23 deliveries. Together, the duo added a match-winning 107-run partnership, guiding RCB to victory with ease.
This win was crucial for RCB to secure a top-two finish. They now face Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 on May 29.
The winner will move directly to the final, while the losing team will get a second chance in Qualifier 2. With both teams in strong form, an exciting contest awaits.