Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) produced a high-octane performance in their final league match to seal a place in Qualifier 1 of the Tata IPL 2025, overcoming Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in a thrilling run chase that will be remembered for years. With this victory, RCB leapfrogged into second place on the points table and are now set to take on table-toppers Punjab Kings (PBKS) on May 29 in New Chandigarh.

This will be RCB's third appearance in Qualifier 1, having previously reached this stage in 2011 and 2016. The win came in dramatic fashion as RCB successfully chased down a daunting 228-run target, thanks to fifties from Virat Kohli and stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma. Jitesh's unbeaten 85 off just 33 balls turned the tide in RCB’s favour, rendering Rishabh Pant’s magnificent 61-ball 118 futile.

The game was a must-win for RCB, and it looked bleak at one stage after Pant’s fireworks took LSG to a commanding 227/3. A loss would’ve dropped RCB to the Eliminator, but their power-packed batting ensured a record chase, marking the third-highest successful run chase in IPL history. This victory also etched RCB's name in the records as the first team ever to win all seven of their away matches in a single IPL season.

With this win, RCB and PBKS both finished the league stage with 19 points each. However, PBKS topped the table due to their superior net run rate. PBKS had secured their place in the top two with a crucial victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) a day earlier, which left MI stranded on 16 points. On the other hand, Gujarat Titans (GT), who looked poised for a top-two finish for most of the season, slipped to third after suffering back-to-back defeats against LSG and Chennai Super Kings (CSK). GT ended with 18 points and will now face MI in the Eliminator on May 30, also in New Chandigarh.

The Tata IPL 2025 Match Predictions leading up to the final league games had many believing that GT would make it to Qualifier 1, but RCB’s heroics changed the narrative. With momentum on their side and a rejuvenated lineup, RCB now look like serious contenders for their first IPL title.

Looking at the playoff structure, the winner of Qualifier 1 between PBKS and RCB will advance directly to the final, scheduled for June 3 in Ahmedabad. The loser will get another opportunity in Qualifier 2, where they will face the winner of the Eliminator between GT and MI. That second qualifier will be played on June 1, also in Ahmedabad.

RCB’s incredible chase was powered not only by their experienced players but also by the emergence of Jitesh Sharma as a match-winner. Filling in as captain, Jitesh showcased remarkable composure under pressure, and his 85* was arguably the most impactful innings of the game. Virat Kohli’s anchoring role in the top order, combined with aggressive middle-order support, ensured RCB crossed the finish line with balls to spare.

Meanwhile, PBKS continue to impress in IPL 2025. Despite one of their matches being washed out due to rain, the Kings have displayed consistent form throughout the league stage. Their top-order firepower, efficient bowling unit, and strategic depth under pressure have helped them achieve their best-ever finish at the top of the table.

Fans looking to stay updated with playoff matchups and performance breakdowns can head over to Winexch, your trusted source for Tata IPL 2025 Match Predictions, team stats, live scores, and player analysis. As the race to the final heats up, Winexch offers comprehensive insights to help fans track their favorite teams and make informed predictions throughout the knockout phase.

With only a single rest day before Qualifier 1, RCB will need to regroup quickly to prepare for the showdown with PBKS. The stakes couldn’t be higher, and both teams will be eyeing a direct ticket to the final. In contrast, GT and MI, both former champions, will be desperate to survive the Eliminator and take one step closer to lifting the coveted trophy once again.

As we enter the business end of Tata IPL 2025, fans are in for a roller-coaster ride. Whether it’s high-scoring thrillers, clutch performances, or last-over finishes, the playoffs promise fireworks. And for everything IPL, including expert insights and predictions, don't forget to visit Winexch — your one-stop destination for all things cricket!