Bengaluru, May 27 (UNI) Skipper Rishabh Pant delivered a sensational performance, scoring an unbeaten 118 runs, as Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) posted a formidable 227 for 3 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in their final league match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 here on Tuesday.
Pant's innings, laced with 11 fours and 8 sixes off just 61 balls, marked a remarkable turnaround in form.
Prior to this match, he had accumulated only 151 runs in 13 innings during the season. His explosive century not only propelled LSG to a commanding total but also etched his name among the franchise's elite centurions, joining the likes of Quinton de Kock, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Marsh, and KL Rahul.
The highlight of the innings was a 152-run partnership between Pant and Mitchell Marsh, who contributed a brisk 67 off 37 balls. Their stand laid the foundation for LSG's imposing total. Earlier, opener Matthew Breetzke was dismissed for 14, while Nicholas Pooran added 13 runs before falling late in the innings. Abdul Samad remained unbeaten on 1 alongside Pant.
RCB's bowling attack struggled to contain the onslaught, with Nuwan Thushara being the most economical, conceding 26 runs and taking one wicket in his four overs. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Romario Shepherd also claimed a wicket each but were expensive, giving away 46 and 51 runs respectively.
Pant's celebration after reaching his century, which included a dramatic backflip, quickly went viral on social media, capturing the attention of fans and commentators alike. This exuberant display highlighted both his athletic prowess and spirited demeanour, underlining his vital role in the match and his larger-than-life presence in the IPL.
Despite this commanding performance, LSG's chances of progressing to the playoffs remain nil, as they had already been eliminated from contention following a defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad earlier in the season. Nevertheless, Pant's innings provided a high note to conclude their campaign.
RCB now face a daunting chase of 228 runs to secure victory and bolster their playoff aspirations. UNI BDN SSP