Jitesh Sharma’s brilliance outshines Pant’s ton as RCB storm into Qualifier 1
Rishabh Pant produced a sensational unbeaten 118 off 61 balls (11 fours, 8 sixes), but his heroics were overshadowed by Jitesh Sharma’s electrifying knock of 85* off just 33 deliveries (8 fours, 6 sixes), guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a record run chase and a place in Qualifier 1 for the first time since 2016. Chasing a daunting 228, Jitesh combined with Mayank Agarwal in an unbroken 107-run stand for the fifth wicket, sealing a six-wicket win with eight balls to spare. Virat Kohli also made a key contribution at the top with a fluent 54 off 30, reports Live Cricket Score.
Turning Point
At the start of the 12th over, RCB trailed slightly behind LSG’s scoring rate and had just lost Kohli, slipping to 123/4. But Jitesh Sharma changed the game with fearless hitting and a stroke of luck. With Mayank playing second fiddle, contributing 20 in the partnership, Jitesh took complete control and powered RCB home with a whirlwind finish.
LUCKNOW SUPER GIANTS INNINGS
Powerplay: Steady Start Despite Early Blow
Score: 55/1 [RR: 9.16, 4s/6s: 5/2]
LSG got off to a brisk start despite the early loss of debutant Matthew Breetzke, who hit a six and a four before being bowled by Nuwan Thushara. Skipper Rishabh Pant entered at No.3 and made an immediate impact, launching Yash Dayal for a six and two fours. Marsh took time to settle but ensured the scoreboard kept ticking alongside Pant.
Middle Overs: Pant and Marsh Light Up the Innings
Score: 109/0 [RR: 12.11, 4s/6s: 7/8]
Pant and Marsh unleashed a brutal assault after the power play. Pant reached his half-century in just 29 balls, while Marsh followed with a 31-ball fifty. Their partnership crossed the 100-run mark, with both batters clearing the ropes at will. Pant was particularly severe on Romario Shepherd and Suyash Sharma, who were taken apart with a flurry of sixes.
Death Overs: Pant’s Fireworks Continue
Score: 63/2 [RR: 12.6, 4s/6s: 5/4]
Even after Marsh fell for 67, Pant carried on the carnage. He raced to his century in 54 balls with two boundaries off Bhuvneshwar and celebrated in style with a cartwheel. He hammered more sixes off Dayal and Shepherd in the closing overs, pushing LSG to an imposing 227/3.
ROYAL CHALLENGERS BENGALURU INNINGS
Powerplay: Kohli Leads the Charge
Score: 66/1 [RR: 11.00, 4s/6s: 13/0]
Kohli and Salt came out firing, smashing 13 boundaries in the powerplay. Kohli was particularly aggressive against O’Rourke, while Salt played the supporting role until he fell for 28 to Akash Singh. Despite the setback, RCB were well placed at 66/1 after six overs.
Middle Overs: Momentum Swings Back and Forth
Score: 111/3 [RR: 12.33, 4s/6s: 13/3]
Patidar and Livingstone fell in quick succession, leaving RCB wobbling at 84/3. Kohli, however, reached his fifty and stitched together a vital stand with Mayank. But Kohli’s departure on 54 gave LSG a sniff. That was until Jitesh Sharma arrived and turned the tide with a ruthless onslaught, including a 21-run over off Shahbaz.
Death Overs: Jitesh Takes Centre Stage
Score: 53/0 in 3.4 overs [RR: 14.48, 4s/6s: 4/4]
Jitesh continued his fearless approach, consistently finding the boundary. A lucky escape on 49 (a no-ball on review) gave him a second wind, and he smashed the free-hit for a six to reach a 22-ball half-century. A monstrous over off O’Rourke, which yielded two fours and two sixes, brought RCB within touching distance. Jitesh fittingly finished it off with a towering six off Ayush Badoni, sealing the chase in style.
Brief Scores
Lucknow Super Giants: 227/3 in 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 118*, Mitchell Marsh 67; Nuwan Thushara 1-26)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: 230/4 in 18.4 overs (Jitesh Sharma 85*, Virat Kohli 54; William O’Rourke 2-74)
Result: RCB won by 6 wickets
What’s Next?
With this win, RCB progress to Qualifier 1, where they will face Punjab Kings at Mullanpur on May 29. LSG’s campaign, however, comes to an end despite Pant’s heroic century.
