Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the first team to officially qualify for the TATA IPL 2026 playoffs after registering a commanding 23-run victory over Punjab Kings in Match 61 at Dharamsala on Sunday.
Defending a massive total of 222/4, RCB delivered a complete team performance with the bat and ball to secure their playoff berth in style and strengthen their position at the top of the IPL 2026 points table.
Kohli, Padikkal and Venkatesh Power RCB to 222
After being asked to bat first, RCB suffered an early setback when Harpreet Brar dismissed Jacob Bethell in the opening over. However, the wicket had little impact on Bengaluru’s aggressive approach.
Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli steadied the innings with a fluent partnership. Padikkal attacked the bowlers from the outset and smashed 45 runs off just 25 deliveries, while Kohli continued his brilliant season with a classy 58 off 37 balls.
The duo laid a strong foundation before Venkatesh Iyer produced a stunning innings that completely shifted the momentum in RCB’s favour. Promoted to No. 4 in the absence of captain Rajat Patidar, Iyer played one of his finest IPL knocks, remaining unbeaten on 73 from only 40 balls.
Punjab Kings managed to break the Kohli-Iyer stand when Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Kohli, but not before Iyer hammered two huge sixes off the leg-spinner in the same over.
Tim David then added late fireworks with a quick cameo in the final over as RCB crossed the 220-run mark. Harpreet Brar emerged as the most effective PBKS bowler with two wickets.
PBKS Collapse Early in Chase
Chasing a daunting target of 223, Punjab Kings endured a disastrous start as RCB’s pace attack struck early.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rasikh Dar reduced PBKS to 19/3 inside four overs. Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya and captain Shreyas Iyer all departed cheaply, putting the hosts under immediate pressure.
Cooper Connolly attempted to revive the innings with a brisk 36 off 20 balls, while Suryansh Shedge contributed 35 runs. However, regular wickets prevented Punjab from building any lasting momentum.
Marcus Stoinis added 37 off 25 balls but his dismissal to Josh Hazlewood after the strategic timeout further dented PBKS’s hopes.
Shashank Singh Fights Lone Battle
With the required run rate climbing rapidly, Shashank Singh launched a late counterattack for Punjab Kings. He reached his half-century in just 22 balls and remained unbeaten on 56 off 27 deliveries.
Despite his aggressive finish, the target proved too steep as PBKS eventually finished 23 runs short.
Rasikh Dar and Romario Shepherd bowled effectively at the death, with Rasikh claiming two wickets in the final over to seal the victory for Bengaluru.
RCB Seal Playoff Spot
The victory confirmed Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the first team to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs, highlighting their consistency and squad depth throughout the season.
Punjab Kings, meanwhile, suffered another setback in their campaign and now face mounting pressure in the race for a playoff spot.
