The wait is over at last Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are the Indian Premier League (IPL) champions. For 18 seasons of agony, close calls, and rebuilding, RCB won their first IPL title by defeating Punjab Kings (PBKS) in a heart-stopping final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.
In pursuit of 191, PBKS came up six runs short at 184/7 in their 20 overs. RCB bowlers proved relentless again in pressure situations as they defended what had been perceived as a modest total in a thrilling game. The win kindled emotive moments with Virat Kohli spotted in tears of happiness as he eventually raised the precious trophy after almost two decades of commitment and leadership.
Earlier, RCB posted 190/9, a total that seemed below par on a batting-friendly pitch. Their innings lacked momentum despite promising starts from key players. Virat Kohli top-scored with 43 off 35 balls, striking at 122.85, but struggled to accelerate. His cautious innings included just three boundaries, two of which came after the ninth over.
Phil Salt (16) provided RCB a flier begin with a four and a six in the first over but was dismissed in the subsequent over by Kyle Jamieson, who was the pick of the PBKS bowlers with 3/48. RCB middle order Mayank Agarwal (24), Rajat Patidar (26), and Liam Livingstone (25) were unable to take starts to big knocks as RCB could manage just 42 runs from overs 6-11.
Virat Kohli and Anushka Sharma_pic courtesy X
In spite of the stuttering batting performance, RCB bowlers maintained their nerves. The last few minutes were nerve-wracking, but RCB managed to hold on, ending their 18-year wait for a title and writing one of the most dramatic pieces in IPL history.
