Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the first team to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs after defeating Punjab Kings by 23 runs.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the first team to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs, doing so with a convincing 23-run win over Punjab Kings at the PCA Stadium in Mohali on Sunday afternoon.
Opting to bat first after Punjab won the toss and chose to field, RCB put on a batting masterclass, posting a commanding 222/4 in their 20 overs. Venkatesh Iyer was the standout, finishing unbeaten on 73 off just 40 balls. Devdutt Padikkal added a fluent 45, while Virat Kohli contributed a measured 58 before being dismissed in the 15th over. Tim David provided a late flourish with a quickfire 28 off 12 balls to help RCB past the 220-mark.
Harpreet Brar was the pick of the Punjab bowlers, snaring 2 wickets for 35 runs in his 4 overs.
READ ALSO | Mohsin Naqvi Invited For ICC Meeting At Narendra Modi Stadium, Set To Watch IPL 2026 Final | Reports
In response, Punjab never quite got going despite some individual resistance. Their top order crumbled early, with Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya falling cheaply within the first three overs to a sharp Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who finished with 2 wickets. Shashank Singh was Punjab’s most defiant batter, smashing 56 off 27 balls, but it proved a lone battle. Marcus Stoinis chipped in with 37, though Punjab lost wickets at regular intervals and could only manage 199/8 at the end of their 20 overs.
For RCB, Rasikh Salam picked up 3 wickets including two in the final over to wrap up the innings and seal the win with clinical precision. RCB now sit comfortably atop the points table, the first franchise confirmed for the last four of IPL 2026. Punjab, meanwhile, face an uphill battle to keep their own playoff hopes alive.
READ ALSO | Virat Kohli Praises Smriti Mandhana, Jemimah Rodrigues; Opens Up On Purpose Beyond Records
Virat is playing with so much of ease on this slow pitch. Looks like he has already having a target in his mind and trying to achieve that 👀#ViratKohli #RCBvPBKS
— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) May 17, 2026
The most complete team of the tournament is the first team to qualify for the playoffs.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) May 17, 2026
Well played, RCB 👏👏
Padikkal has been the game changer for RCB. The way he attacks from the ball one, that allows RCB to maintain the momentum, despite loosing a wicket. Terrific mindset 👏👏#DevduttPadikkal #RCBvPBKS
— Vinay Kumar R (@Vinay_Kumar_R) May 17, 2026
Another 500 runs season for Virat Kohli in the IPL.
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) May 17, 2026
His Mind set is what makes him so special.
PBKS won 5 tosses in the first 6 games they won…lost four tosses in the last 5 games.
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) May 17, 2026
They win the toss today and ……
This article follows WicketWatcher’s editorial standards. Learn more in our Editorial Policy or report an issue via our Corrections Policy.