Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the first team to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs with this win. Punjab Kings suffered their sixth defeat in a row in the season. (Pics: AFP)
Updated On: 2026-05-17 07:48 PM IST
Compiled by : Atharva Upasani
It was a dominant all-round performance from Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who were in control from the outset and never allowed PBKS to settle into the chase
Chasing 223 runs for the win, Punjab needed a strong start to chase down a record target, but instead their top order collapsed early. Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh and skipper Shreyas Iyer were dismissed early
Bhuvneshwar Kumar did the early damage with the ball, while Rasikh Salam Dar chipped in with a three-wicket burst to tighten RCB’s grip.
Shashank Singh produced a valiant effort and shared a 67-run stand with Marcus Stoinis, but the task was always steep against a disciplined bowling attack.
PBKS remain stuck on 13 points and now no longer control their own playoff destiny.
