The IPL 2025 Final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) will forever be etched in cricket history. On June 3, 2025, at Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium, RCB clinched their maiden IPL title after 18 agonizing years, defeating PBKS by a nail-biting 6 runs. This guide covers where fans could watch the live action globally and relives the match’s pivotal moments.
Key Match Result: RCB’s Emotional Triumph
- RCB: 190/9 (20 overs) – Kohli (43), Livingstone (25), Jitesh Sharma (24)
- PBKS: 184/7 (20 overs) – Shashank Singh (61* off 30), Inglis (39)
- Turning Point: Needing 29 off the final over, Shashank smashed Hazlewood for 22 runs (6,4,6,6) but fell short due to two critical dot balls. Virat Kohli’s tears during the trophy ceremony symbolized RCB’s cathartic victory. Krunal Pandya (2/17) won Player of the Match for strangling PBKS’ middle order.
Where to Watch IPL 2025 Final Live Streaming Globally
Here’s how fans worldwide could catch the historic finale:
- India:
- TV: Star Sports Network (10 channels in 6 languages)
- Streaming: Disney+ Hotstar (subscription starts at ₹199/month)
- United States & Canada:
- TV/Streaming: Willow TV (via Sling TV, FuboTV, or cable providers like Xfinity). Sling’s cricket add-on started at $10/month.
- United Kingdom:
- TV: Sky Sports Cricket or Sky Sports Main Event
- Streaming: Sky Go app
- Australia:
- Streaming: Kayo Sports (free trial available) or Fox Sports
- Other Regions:
- Pakistan/Maldives/Sri Lanka: Yupp TV
- Middle East: CricLife1 (UAE) or beIN Sports
- Southeast Asia: Astro (Malaysia), StarHub (Singapore)
- Free Option: Cricbuzz website/app (select regions)
Note: Traveling fans could access home streams using VPN services like NordVPN.
Match Highlights: How RCB Defended 190
First Innings (RCB: 190/9)
PBKS’ bowlers restricted RCB despite no single batter dominating. Kyle Jamieson (3/48) and Arshdeep Singh (3/40) starred, with Arshdeep claiming three wickets in the final over. Kohli’s 43 anchored the innings, but RCB’s total seemed below par on a 200-friendly pitch.
PBKS Chase: Close But Not Enough
- Powerplay: PBKS raced to 52/1, mirroring RCB’s start.
- Collapse: Krunal Pandya dismissed Prabhsimran Singh (26) and Josh Inglis (39), while Romario Shepherd removed Shreyas Iyer (1). At 98/4, PBKS crumbled under pressure.
- Shashank’s Valiant Effort: His 61* off 30 balls, including 3 fours and 6 sixes, almost stole victory. Bhuvneshwar’s double-wicket over (16th) – removing Wadhera (15) and Stoinis (6) – sealed PBKS’ fate.
Why This Final Was Historic
- RCB’s Redemption: After three previous final losses (2009, 2011, 2016), RCB finally shed their “chokers” tag. Captain Rajat Patidar’s post-win cry – “Ee saala cup namdu!” (The cup is ours this year!) – echoed millions of fans’ sentiments.
- PBKS’ Heartbreak: Their first final since 2014 ended in despair despite Shashank’s heroics. Coach Ricky Ponting’s men fell short in their quest for a maiden title.
- Celebrity Spotlight: Canadian rapper Drake wagered ₹6.41 crore ($750,000) on an RCB win, amplifying global buzz.
Key Statistics Table
| Metric | RCB | PBKS |
|---|---|---|
| Top Scorer | Kohli (43) | Shashank (61*) |
| Best Bowler | Krunal (2/17) | Arshdeep (3/40) |
| Powerplay Score | 55/1 | 52/1 |
| Toss | Lost (fielded) | Won (bowled) |
Reliving the Drama
For post-match replays or highlights, platforms like ESPNcricinfo, Cricbuzz, and the official IPL website offer extended coverage. Sky Sports and Hotstar also feature mini-match replays.
The Verdict
The IPL 2025 Final wasn’t just a match; it was a cultural reset for RCB and their global fanbase. While PBKS fell short, their fairytale playoff run (including a record 204-run chase against Mumbai in Qualifier 2) promises future contention. For viewers, the accessibility of live streaming across 20+ territories underscored IPL’s status as cricket’s premier franchise event.
Missed the live action? Full replays remain available on streaming platforms listed above.
Q1: Where can I watch the RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Final replay?
A: Full match replays and highlights are available on:
1. Disney+ Hotstar (India)
2. JioCinema (free highlights)
3. IPL official website & app
4. Sky Sports (UK), Willow TV (USA), Kayo Sports (Australia)
Q2: Why was this final historic for RCB?
A: RCB won their first-ever IPL title after 17 seasons, having lost 3 previous finals (2009, 2011, 2016). Virat Kohli’s emotional celebration marked the end of a 18-year drought for the franchise.
Q3: How did PBKS lose needing 29 runs in the last over?
A: Shashank Singh smashed 22 runs (6,4,6,6) off Josh Hazlewood but fell short due to two dot balls earlier in the over. PBKS finished at 184/7 – 6 runs short of RCB’s 190/9.
Q4: Who won Player of the Match and why?
A: Krunal Pandya (2/17 in 4 overs) won for choking PBKS’ middle order. His dismissal of set batters Prabhsimran Singh (26) and Josh Inglis (39) shifted momentum to RCB.
Q5: What was the venue for IPL 2025 Final?
A: The match was held at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad – the world’s largest cricket stadium (132,000 capacity). This was its 4th IPL final hosting.