Thefirstfossil

RCB’s 18-Year Wait Ends: Kohli Leads Bengaluru to Maiden IPL Triumph

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) achieved a historic milestone by clinching their first-ever Indian Premier League (IPL) title in 2025, ending an 18-year wait. In a thrilling final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on June 3, RCB narrowly defeated the Punjab Kings (PBKS) by six runs.

Match Summary: IPL 2025 Final

  • Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad
  • Result: RCB won by 6 runs
  • RCB Innings: 190/9 (20 overs)
  • PBKS Innings: 184/7 (20 overs)

RCB set a competitive total of 190 runs, with Virat Kohli contributing a crucial 43 off 35 balls. Despite a valiant effort from PBKS, including a late surge of 22 runs in the final over by Shashank Singh, they fell short by six runs.

  • Virat Kohli (RCB): 43 runs off 35 balls; became the all-time leader in IPL fours with 771.
  • Krunal Pandya (RCB): Delivered a pivotal bowling spell, taking 2 wickets for 17 runs in 4 overs.
  • Arshdeep Singh (PBKS): Claimed 3 wickets for 40 runs.
  • Kyle Jamieson (PBKS): Took 3 wickets for 48 runs.

The victory was particularly poignant for Virat Kohli, who has been with RCB since the league’s inception. Overcome with emotion, Kohli dedicated the win to his former teammates AB de Villiers and Chris Gayle, acknowledging their contributions to the franchise’s journey. 

RCB’s triumph sparked massive celebrations in Bengaluru, with fans rejoicing in the streets. As champions, RCB received a prize of ₹20 crore, while runners-up PBKS were awarded ₹12.5 crore.

 

In the IPL 2025 Final held on June 3 at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinched their maiden IPL title by defeating the Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs. RCB posted a total of 190/9, and PBKS managed 184/7 in their 20 overs.

RCB Batting Scorecard

Batsman Dismissal Runs Balls 4s 6s
Phil Salt b Kyle Jamieson 18
Mayank Agarwal b Yuzvendra Chahal 24
Virat Kohli b Azmatullah Omarzai 43 35
Rajat Patidar b Kyle Jamieson 26
Jitesh Sharma b Kyle Jamieson 24
Liam Livingstone b Vyshak Vijaykumar 25
Romario Shepherd b Arshdeep Singh 17 9
Krunal Pandya b Arshdeep Singh
Bhuvneshwar Kumar b Arshdeep Singh
Extras 9
Total 9 wickets in 20 overs 190

Note: Some individual statistics such as balls faced, number of fours and sixes are not specified in the available sources.

PBKS Bowling Figures

Bowler Overs Runs Wickets
Kyle Jamieson 3
Arshdeep Singh 3
Azmatullah Omarzai 1
Vyshak Vijaykumar 1
Yuzvendra Chahal 1

Note: Specific overs bowled and runs conceded are not detailed in the available sources.

PBKS Batting Scorecard

Batsman Dismissal Runs Balls 4s 6s
Atharva Taide b Krunal Pandya
Prabhsimran Singh b Krunal Pandya
Shreyas Iyer b Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Josh Inglis b Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Nehal Wadhera b Josh Hazlewood
Marcus Stoinis b Romario Shepherd
Azmatullah Omarzai b Yash Dayal
Shashank Singh Not Out 61 30
Extras 11
Total 7 wickets in 20 overs 184

Note: Specific dismissals and individual statistics for some players are not detailed in the available sources.

RCB Bowling Figures

Bowler Overs Runs Wickets
Krunal Pandya 4 17 2
Bhuvneshwar Kumar 38 2
Josh Hazlewood 1
Romario Shepherd 1
Yash Dayal 1

Note: Specific overs bowled and runs conceded for some bowlers are not detailed in the available sources.

  • Toss: Punjab Kings won the toss and elected to field first.
  • Result: Royal Challengers Bengaluru won by 6 runs.
  • Player of the Match: Krunal Pandya for his economical bowling and crucial wickets.

Former UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak was an ardent supporter of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during their historic IPL 2025 final victory over the Punjab Kings (PBKS). His enthusiastic reactions and personal connections to the team garnered significant attention.

Rishi Sunak’s Enthusiastic Support for RCB

  • Personal Ties to Bengaluru: Sunak has often referred to RCB as “my team,” attributing this allegiance to his marriage to Akshata Murty, daughter of Infosys co-founder Narayana Murthy. He fondly recalled proposing to Akshata in Kannada, despite his limited proficiency in the language.

  • Presence at the Final: Sunak attended the IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, accompanied by his wife, Akshata Murty.

  • Celebratory Reactions: During the match, Sunak was seen erupting with euphoric fist pumps, especially after key moments like the dismissal of PBKS’s Prabhsimran Singh.

  • Post-Match Celebrations: Following RCB’s victory, Sunak was captured jumping and celebrating from the stands, showcasing his genuine excitement for the team’s maiden IPL title.

For a visual recap of RCB’s historic win, you can watch the following video:

End of an Era: Glenn Maxwell Retires from ODIs, Eyes T20 World Cup Glory

Glenn Maxwell, affectionately known as “The Big Show,” is an Australian cricketer celebrated for his explosive batting, versatile off-spin bowling, and dynamic fielding. As of June 2025, he has retired from One Day Internationals (ODIs) but continues to play Twenty20 Internationals (T20Is) and participate in domestic T20 leagues.

Career Overview

International Career

  • Debut: Maxwell made his international debut for Australia in 2012.
  • ODIs: He played 149 ODIs, scoring 3,990 runs at an average of 33.81, including 4 centuries and 23 half-centuries. His highest ODI score is an unbeaten 201 against Afghanistan during the 2023 World Cup. He also took 77 wickets with his off-spin bowling. (news.com.au)
  • T20Is: In 116 T20Is, Maxwell has amassed 2,664 runs at an average of 29.93, including 5 centuries and 11 half-centuries. He has also taken 43 wickets. (en.wikipedia.org)
  • Tests: He featured in 7 Test matches, scoring 339 runs and taking 8 wickets.

Domestic and Franchise Cricket

  • Big Bash League (BBL): Maxwell captains the Melbourne Stars and holds the record for the highest individual score in BBL history with an unbeaten 154. (en.wikipedia.org)
  • Indian Premier League (IPL): Over the years, he has played for various franchises, including Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. In the 2025 season, he returned to Punjab Kings. (news.orkasports.com)

Net Worth and Earnings

  • Net Worth: As of 2025, Maxwell’s estimated net worth is around $15 million. (kheltalk.com)
  • Cricket Australia Contract: He is among the centrally contracted players, earning a retainer fee of approximately $350,000, with additional match fees.
  • IPL Earnings: Maxwell’s IPL earnings have been substantial, with significant contracts over the years. (news.orkasports.com)
  • Endorsements: He endorses several brands, including Kookaburra, DTDC, TikTok Australia, BYJU’S, and Energizer. (news.orkasports.com)
  • Assets: Maxwell owns a luxurious bungalow in Aberfeldie, Victoria, valued at approximately ₹24 crore, and possesses a collection of high-end cars, including a Mercedes-Benz C-Class, BMW GT, Ford Mustang, Nissan Maxima, and Porsche Cayenne. (news.orkasports.com)

Latest Updates

  • Retirement from ODIs: In June 2025, Maxwell announced his retirement from One Day Internationals to focus on T20 cricket and manage his physical well-being. He cited the physical demands of the format and his desire to contribute to Australia’s future plans as reasons for his decision.
  • Continued T20 Career: Despite retiring from ODIs, Maxwell remains active in T20 cricket, aiming to represent Australia in the upcoming T20 World Cup and continuing to play in domestic T20 leagues.

Personal Life

  • Family: Maxwell married Vini Raman, an Australian pharmacist of Indian descent, in March 2022. The couple welcomed their first child in September 2023.
  • Mental Health Advocacy: He has been open about his struggles with mental health, taking a break from cricket in 2019 to focus on his well-being. Maxwell continues to advocate for mental health awareness in sports.
  • Philanthropy: Through the Glenn Maxwell Foundation, he supports underprivileged children in sports, aiming to foster confidence, leadership skills, and community engagement.

Heinrich Klaasen Bids Farewell to International Cricket at 33 to Prioritize Family and T20 Leagues

Heinrich Klaasen, the dynamic South African wicketkeeper-batter, announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket on June 2, 2025, at the age of 33. Known for his explosive batting and proficiency against spin, Klaasen’s decision to step away from the international arena was driven by a desire to prioritize family time and focus on franchise cricket.

International Career

Klaasen made his international debut in 2018 and quickly established himself as a formidable presence in white-ball cricket.

  • ODIs: In 60 matches, he amassed 2,141 runs at an impressive average of 43.69, including 4 centuries and 11 fifties. His highest score was 174.

  • T20Is: Over 58 matches, he scored 1,000 runs with a strike rate of 141.84, featuring 5 half-centuries and a top score of 81.

  • Tests: Klaasen’s Test career was brief, with 4 matches yielding 104 runs.

He captained South Africa in T20Is during 2021 and was part of the squad for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.

Domestic and Franchise Cricket

Beyond international cricket, Klaasen has been a sought-after player in various T20 leagues:

  • Indian Premier League (IPL): Represented Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. In the 2025 season, he scored a blistering 105* off 39 balls against Kolkata Knight Riders, marking the joint third-fastest century in IPL history.

  • Major League Cricket (MLC): Playing for Seattle Orcas, he became the first player to score a century in the league, with a 110-run innings off 44 balls.

  • The Hundred: Featured for Oval Invincibles and Manchester Originals, showcasing consistent performances.

Career Statistics

Format Matches Runs Average Strike Rate 100s/50s Top Score
Tests 4 104 13.00 0/0 35
ODIs 60 2,141 43.69 117.34 4/11 174
T20Is 58 1,000 23.25 141.84 0/5 81

Notably, Klaasen holds the record for the highest strike rate among South African ODI players with a minimum of 500 balls faced.

Retirement

On June 2, 2025, at the age of 33, Klaasen announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket, citing a desire to focus on family and franchise commitments.

In his statement, he expressed that the decision was driven by a desire to spend more time with his family and to focus on his career in global T20 leagues. He mentioned that it was a difficult decision but one he made with peace, emphasizing the importance of family in his life.

Additionally, reports indicate that Klaasen was not included in Cricket South Africa’s central contracts for 2025-2026, which may have influenced his decision to retire from international cricket.

Klaasen’s retirement marks the end of a significant chapter in South African cricket, where he was known for his powerful batting and contributions in limited-overs formats.

Nepal Triumphs Over Scotland by 5 Wickets in Dallas Showd

Here’s an in-depth analysis of the Nepal vs. Scotland match held on October 29, 2024, during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 at Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas, USA.

Match Overview: Nepal vs Scotland – 29 October 2024

  • Event: ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 (2024–2027)
  • Venue: Grand Prairie Stadium, Dallas, USA
  • Result: Nepal won by 5 wickets (with 121 balls remaining)
  • Player of the Match: Aarif Sheikh (Nepal)(abplive.com, espncricinfo.com)

Scotland Innings: 154 all out (41.4 overs)

  • Top scorer: Mark Watt – 34 runs (40 balls)
  • Other notable contributions: Michael Jones and Richie Berrington – 19 runs each
  • Nepal’s bowling highlights:

Nepal Innings: 157/5 (29.5 overs)

  • Aarif Sheikh: 51* runs (42 balls)
  • Gulshan Jha: 25* runs (30 balls)
  • Nepal’s chase was steady, with key partnerships ensuring a comfortable victory.(abplive.com)

Head-to-Head Summary

Date Venue Winner Margin Player of the Match
29 Oct 2024 Dallas, USA Nepal 5 wickets Aarif Sheikh
17 Feb 2023 Kirtipur, Nepal Nepal 3 wickets Dipendra Singh Airee
17 Jul 2022 Glasgow, Scotland Scotland 8 wickets Calum MacLeod

Upcoming Series: June 2025 – Scotland Tri-Nation Series

Nepal is set to participate in the 2025 Scotland Tri-Nation Series, alongside Scotland and the Netherlands. This series is part of the ongoing ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup League 2 and will feature both ODI and T20I matches.(en.wikipedia.org)

Match Summary

  • Result: Nepal won by 5 wickets (with 121 balls remaining)
  • Player of the Match: Aarif Sheikh (Nepal) – 51* runs (42 balls), 1 wicket for 9 runs, and 2 catches
  • Toss: Nepal won the toss and elected to field first(espncricinfo.com, espn.co.uk)

Scotland Innings: 154 all out in 41.4 overs

    Batting Performance

Batsman Runs Balls 4s 6s Strike Rate
Mark Watt 34 40 0 3 85.00
Richie Berrington 19 45 2 0 42.22
Michael Jones 19 29 2 0 65.52
Brandon McMullen 16 36 2 0 44.44
Matthew Cross 15 34 0 0 44.12
Michael Leask 14 17 2 0 82.35
Andrew Umeed 14 19 3 0 73.68
Brad Wheal 9 10 1 0 90.00
Brad Currie 1* 7 0 0 14.29
Jack Jarvis 0 8 0 0 0.00
Charlie Tear 0 5 0 0 0.00

 Fall of Wickets

1-0 (Charlie Tear, 0.5 ov), 2-26 (Andrew Umeed, 7.6 ov), 3-34 (Brandon McMullen, 11.5 ov), 4-70 (Michael Jones, 21.4 ov), 5-70 (Richie Berrington, 22.4 ov), 6-88 (Michael Leask, 26.2 ov), 7-113 (Matthew Cross, 35.2 ov), 8-114 (Jack Jarvis, 36.6 ov), 9-136 (Brad Wheal, 39.1 ov), 10-154 (Mark Watt, 41.4 ov)(espncricinfo.com)

 Nepal Bowling Figures

Bowler Overs Maidens Runs Wickets Economy
Sandeep Lamichhane 10 1 45 3 4.50
Karan KC 9 1 26 2 2.89
Sompal Kami 8.4 1 32 2 3.69
Gulshan Jha 9 0 33 2 3.67
Aarif Sheikh 3 0 9 1 3.00
Dipendra Singh Airee 2 0 6 0 3.00

 Nepal Innings: 157/5 in 29.5 overs

  Batting Performance

Batsman Runs Balls 4s 6s Strike Rate
Aarif Sheikh 51* 42 8 0 121.43
Gulshan Jha 25* 30 3 1 83.33
Aasif Sheikh 21 34 1 0 61.76
Kushal Bhurtel 25 34 2 0 73.53
Anil Sah 13 19 0 1 68.42
Kushal Malla 7 18 0 0 38.89
Rohit Paudel 1 3 0 0 33.33

 Fall of Wickets

1-32 (Anil Sah, 6.1 ov), 2-42 (Kushal Malla, 10.6 ov), 3-60 (Aasif Sheikh, 14.3 ov), 4-63 (Rohit Paudel, 15.2 ov), 5-100 (Kushal Bhurtel, 21.3 ov)(sportskeeda.com)

 Scotland Bowling Figures

Bowler Overs Maidens Runs Wickets Economy
Brandon McMullen 7.5 1 41 2 5.23
Mark Watt 8 0 43 1 5.37
Brad Currie 4 0 24 1 6.00
Jack Jarvis 3 0 25 1 8.33
Brad Wheal 7 1 22 0 3.14

Match Highlights

  • Nepal’s Bowling Excellence: Sandeep Lamichhane led the bowling attack with 3 wickets, supported by Karan KC and Sompal Kami with 2 wickets each.
  • Aarif Sheikh’s All-Round Performance: Contributed significantly with both bat and ball, scoring an unbeaten 51 and taking 1 wicket.
  • Scotland’s Batting Struggles: Despite Mark Watt’s 34 runs, the team couldn’t build substantial partnerships, leading to a modest total.
  • Nepal’s Steady Chase: After early wickets, Aarif Sheikh and Gulshan Jha stabilized the innings, guiding Nepal to victory with a 57-run partnership.
Exit mobile version