TATA IPL 2026, Match 61: PBKS v RCB – Match Report & more related news here

Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the first team to seal a spot in the TATA IPL 2026 playoffs with a thumping 23-run win over Punjab Kings in Match 61, defending 222/4 in a high-scoring contest in Dharmsala.

Put in to bat, Royal Challengers Bengaluru suffered an early setback when Harpreet Brar struck with his second ball of the match, as Jacob Bethell moved in on his stumps. But the wicket did little to alter RCB’s momentum.

Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli responded in style, continuing a season in which the pair have been instrumental in RCB’s batting success. Padikkal was the aggressor from the start, fluidly scoring 45 off 25 balls, while Kohli played another polished hand, scoring 58 off 37 deliveries. Together, they quickly rebuilt and laid the platform for a substantial total.

Venkatesh Iyer took the innings to another level. Usually deployed as an Impact Player this season, Iyer was promoted to No. 4 in the absence of captain Rajat Patidar and he took advantage of the opportunity magnificently. He played the decisive knock of the night, remaining unbeaten with 73 off just 40 balls.

Punjab finally broke through when Yuzvendra Chahal dismissed Kohli, but not before Venkatesh bowled the leg-spinner for two towering sixes in the same over. From there, RCB continued to accelerate.

Tim David added the finishing touch with a late burst, smashing a six and a four from Arshdeep Singh in the final over as RCB posted a commanding 222/4. Harpreet Brar was the standout bowler for PBKS, finishing with two wickets and maintaining the best economy among the home attack.

Chasing 223, Punjab Kings were rattled early by some disciplined new-ball bowling. Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rasikh Dar reduced them to 19/3 in four overs. Prabhsimran Singh collided with one and slipped, Priyansh Arya missed mid-on and captain Shreyas Iyer fell behind Rasikh, leaving PBKS in deep trouble.

Cooper Connolly attempted to revive the chase with a lively 36 off 20 balls, while Suryansh Shedge added 35. The pair briefly raised hopes but their dismissals meant the required rate continued to rise. Shedge was caught by Virat Kohli off Suyash Sharma, while impact player Marcus Stoinis scored 37 off 25. Stoinis fell meekly to a knee-high full delivery from Josh Hazlewood immediately after the strategic time-out.

With the game slipping away, Shashank Singh mounted a spirited counter-attack. He raced to a half-century off 22 balls and finished with an unbeaten 56 off 27 deliveries. But by the time he found top gear, the task had become too difficult, with PBKS still needing 40 off the last two overs.

Romario Shepherd and Rasikh Salam closed the innings efficiently, with Rasikh picking up two wickets in the final over to seal a comfortable 23-run win.

The victory confirmed RCB as the first team to qualify for the playoffs this season, underlining the depth and balance of their squad. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings were left to rue another missed opportunity despite a late flourish from Shashank Singh.

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