In a finale(IPL 2025) that had fans glued to their screens, the Punjab Kings (PBKS) came heart-wrenchingly close to their first-ever IPL title, falling just 6 runs short of victory against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
Despite their valiant effort and a chase filled with promise, PBKS were left to rue missed opportunities in one of the closest IPL finals in recent memory.
IPL 2025 The Run Chase: Grit, Glory, and Gut-Wrenching Moments
Chasing a target of 183 set by RCB, the PBKS innings began with aggressive intent. Openers Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow gave the team a flying start, adding 48 runs in the powerplay. Dhawan’s trademark cover drives and Bairstow’s quick boundaries ignited hopes across the PBKS fanbase.
However, just as they looked set, RCB’s bowling attack—led by Mohammed Siraj and Lockie Ferguson—struck back. The middle overs saw wickets fall at regular intervals, creating pressure on the incoming batters.
🌟 Key Performances from PBKS
- Shikhar Dhawan: 38 (27 balls) – Anchored the early innings with class.
- Liam Livingstone: 41 (28 balls) – Brought the game alive with brutal power-hitting, including 3 sixes.
- Jitesh Sharma: 29 (18 balls) – Played a brave cameo to keep PBKS in the hunt during the tense final overs.
The game went down to the wire. With 18 needed off the final 2 overs, it was anyone’s game. But Siraj’s fiery penultimate over conceded just 5 runs, leaving too much for PBKS in the final moments.
🎯 Where PBKS Lost the Edge
Despite a strong batting line-up, PBKS’s chase was hampered by:
- Wickets at critical junctures, particularly just after powerplay and in the death overs.
- Lack of a finishing punch from the lower order when it mattered most.
- Tight bowling by RCB, especially from Karn Sharma and Siraj, who applied the brakes just when PBKS looked threatening.
Small moments made the difference—a mistimed shot here, a dot ball there. It was a game of margins, and unfortunately for PBKS, those margins were against them.
💬 Post-Match Reactions
PBKS captain Shikhar Dhawan, visibly emotional, said:
“It’s tough to digest. The boys gave it everything. We were in it till the last over, but cricket can be cruel sometimes. Full credit to RCB.”
Fans and pundits alike praised the team’s fight, with many calling it one of the most competitive IPL finals ever played.
🧠 What PBKS Can Take Away
Though the loss stings, there are plenty of positives for PBKS:
- A more settled batting core with experience and explosiveness.
- Promising signs from young players like Sam Curran and Jitesh Sharma.
- The ability to compete toe-to-toe with the biggest franchises on the biggest stage.
The IPL 2025 final showed that PBKS is no longer an underdog—they are contenders.
⚔️ RCB’s Defense and Redemption
While the spotlight was on PBKS’s chase, RCB deserves credit for holding their nerve. This final not only ended their 17-year title drought but also marked a historic moment for Virat Kohli, whose emotional reaction post-match stole headlines.
📝 Final Score Summary
- RCB: 182/6 (20 overs)
- PBKS: 176/8 (20 overs)
- Result: RCB won by 6 runs
- Player of the Match: Mohammed Siraj (4-0-26-3)
🙌 A Game That Will Be Remembered
Though PBKS didn’t take home the trophy, they earned respect, admiration, and fans’ hearts with a spirited performance that pushed the champions to the limit.
IPL 2025 may belong to RCB, but PBKS proved they are on the cusp of greatness—and if this final was any indication, their day is coming.
