Yesterday Match Result: RCB crush SRH in IPL 2026 opener; MI vs KKR next
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru commenced IPL 2026 with a dominant six-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad. Virat Kohli anchored the chase with an unbeaten 69, supported by Devdutt Padikkal's explosive 61, as RCB comfortably surpassed 201 with 26 balls to spare. The focus now shifts to Mumbai for the clash between MI and KKR.
NEW DELHI: Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru began IPL 2026 in commanding fashion, brushing aside Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets in the season opener at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday. The result set the tone for the tournament, with RCB making a bold statement while attention now turns to Wankhede Stadium for Sunday’s clash between five-time champions Mumbai Indians and three-time winners Kolkata Knight Riders.
Kohli, Padikkal headline dominant chase Chasing 202, Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a fluent unbeaten 69 off 38 balls, striking five fours and five sixes. Returning to T20 cricket after a long break, Kohli looked in complete control as he registered his 64th IPL half-century and finished the game in style. The chase was set up brilliantly by impact substitute Devdutt Padikkal, who smashed 61 off just 26 balls, reaching his fifty in 21 deliveries.
His 101-run stand with Kohli off only 45 balls blew the game wide open. Captain Rajat Patidar added further impetus with a quickfire 31 off 12 balls, ensuring there were no hiccups despite a brief double strike from SRH’s impact player David Payne. RCB raced to 203/4 in just 15.
4 overs, finishing the chase with 26 balls to spare in a show of pure batting dominance. Kishan shines, Duffy impresses on debut Earlier, SRH posted a competitive 201/9 after being put in to bat. Stand-in skipper Ishan Kishan led the charge with a scintillating 80 off 38 balls, supported by a late blitz from Aniket Verma, who struck 43 off 18 deliveries.