New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 23 runs at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala on Sunday, May 17, to become the first team to qualify for the playoffs in IPL 2026. RCB dealt a major blow to PBKS’ chances of qualifying for the playoffs by handing them their sixth loss in a row this season.
Punjab Kings looked unstoppable at one stage in the tournament, having gone unbeaten in their first seven games of the season. However, Shreyas Iyer & Co. have since lost six matches on the trot to see their playoff chances diminish. With only one game in hand, the Punjab Kings can now reach a maximum of only 15 points, which might not be enough for them to finish in the top four.
More to follow…