Royal Challengers Bengaluru produced a dominant all-round performance to defeat Lucknow Super Giants by five wickets in the 23rd match of IPL 2026. Chasing a target of 147, Bengaluru cruised to victory in just 15.1 overs and jumped to the top of the points table.
Lucknow Super Giants never looked settled after being put in to bat first. Early wickets disrupted their momentum, and despite some resistance from Aiden Markram and Mitchell Marsh, the innings lacked fluency. Nicholas Pooran failed to convert his start, while captain Rishabh Pant could not make a major impact after returning to the crease later in the innings. LSG were eventually bowled out for 146 in 20 overs.
RCB’s bowling attack was clinical from start to finish. Josh Hazlewood led the charge with a brilliant spell, keeping the batters under pressure and striking at crucial moments. Rasikh Salam Dar also impressed, ensuring Lucknow never found the acceleration they needed in the death overs.
In reply, Bengaluru suffered an early setback when Phil Salt departed cheaply, but Virat Kohli once again took control of the chase. The star batter played a classy knock of 49, timing the ball beautifully and guiding the innings with complete authority. Kohli missed a half-century by just one run, but by then the damage had already been done.
Rajat Patidar added a valuable 27, while Jitesh Sharma played a quick cameo to keep the chase on track. Lucknow managed a few late wickets, but the target was always below par against such a powerful batting lineup.
Romario Shepherd finished the match in style with a boundary as RCB sealed victory with 29 balls remaining.
With this emphatic win, Royal Challengers Bengaluru sent a strong warning to the rest of the league. Their bowling looks sharp, their batting looks fearless, and with Virat Kohli in sublime touch, RCB suddenly look like serious title contenders in IPL 2026. Meanwhile, Lucknow Super Giants are left searching for answers after another disappointing performance.
