RCB got playoff ticket. (Photo- PTI)
IPL 2026, PBKS vs RCB: In the 61st match of the Indian Premier League 2026, Royal Challengers Bangalore achieved a spectacular victory against Punjab Kings. In this match played at Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, RCB batted first and scored a huge score of 222 runs after losing 4 wickets in 20 overs. While chasing this target, Punjab Kings team came under pressure in the initial overs and could score only 199 runs in 20 overs.
Virat Kohli-Venkatesh Iyer shine
RCB’s innings had a good start in this match. Jacob Bethel was out after scoring 11 runs, but Virat Kohli scored 58 runs in 37 balls, which included 4 fours and 3 sixes. At the same time, Devdutt Padikkal scored 45 runs and made a good partnership with Virat for the second wicket. Then in the last part of the innings, Venkatesh Iyer demonstrated stormy batting. He scored unbeaten 73 runs on 40 balls, which included 8 fours and 4 sixes. At the same time, Tim David also played a useful inning of 28 runs in 12 balls.
On the other hand, Harpreet Brar took maximum 2 wickets from Punjab Kings. At the same time, Arshdeep Singh and Yuzvendra Chahal got 1 wicket each. But almost one bowler proved costly, due to which the Royal Challengers Bangalore team managed to reach this score.
Punjab team could score only 199 runs
In reply, Punjab had a very bad start. Bhuvneshwar Kumar dismissed Priyansh Arya for 0 in the very first over and then sent Prabhsimran Singh to the pavilion for 2 runs. Punjab Kings could not recover from the initial shock and remained under pressure throughout the match. Captain Shreyas Iyer could also score only 1 run. However, Cooper Connelly took charge of the innings in the beginning by scoring 37 runs. Then Suryansh Shedge scored 35 runs and Marcus Stoinis scored 37 runs. In the end, Shashank Singh scored 55 runs in 27 balls, but Punjab team could score only 188 runs at the loss of 8 wickets in 20 overs.
Let us tell you, this is Punjab’s sixth consecutive defeat this season and now the path to the playoffs has become difficult for them. On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bangalore secured the playoff ticket by securing their 9th win of the season.
