Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a top-two IPL 2026 finish despite a 55-run loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, preserving direct qualification for Qualifier 1 alongside Gujarat Titans.
RCB entered the final league game as table leaders and needed a minimum score rather than outright victory to guarantee two chances at reaching the final. Their batters reached 200 for four, clearing the 166-run safety threshold in the seventeenth over.
Gujarat Titans had already sealed the second qualifying spot before the Hyderabad match concluded. GT earlier thrashed Chennai Super Kings by 89 runs to confirm their playoff place.
RCB will face GT in Dharamsala on May 26. Defending champions RCB thus advanced to the knockout stage seeking a second consecutive title despite ending the league phase with a loss.
RCB won the IPL 2025 title and entered 2026 as defending champions. Net run rate calculations required RCB batters to prioritize reaching 166 over chasing 256, producing an unusual tactical innings in a T20 league finale.
Gujarat Titans’ earlier victory over Chennai Super Kings ensured at least two playoff spots were settled before the Hyderabad finale, reducing pressure on GT during the last league weekend.
RCB’s top finish sets up a rematch with Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 after both sides dominated the league stage.
Created by Ayen Stabel.
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Sources:
https://www.outlookindia.com/sports/cricket/ipl-2026-updated-points-table-after-match-67-indian-premier-league-srh-vs-rcb-ahmedabad