Dharamshala: Royal Challengers Bangalore became the first team to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs after defeating Punjab Kings by 23 runs in a high-scoring encounter at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium.
Batting first, RCB posted a massive total of 222 for 4 in 20 overs. Virat Kohli led the charge with 58 runs, while Devdutt Padikkal contributed 45. Tim David chipped in with 28 runs before Venkatesh Iyer’s unbeaten 73 powered the team to a formidable total.
Chasing 223, Punjab Kings lost momentum early and remained under pressure throughout the innings. Cooper Connolly scored 37, while Suryansh Shedge and Marcus Stoinis added 35 and 37 runs respectively. Shashank Singh fought till the end with a fighting 56.
Despite the efforts, Punjab Kings could manage only 199 for 8 in their 20 overs, handing RCB a comfortable 23-run victory.
With the win, Royal Challengers Bangalore also became the first side to officially seal a playoff berth in IPL 2026.
