RCB Go Top After Beating LSG by Five Wickets

Royal Challengers Bengaluru climbed to the top of the table in IPL 2026 after a disciplined bowling display set up a five-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants. In this RCB vs LSG clash, Bengaluru chased down 146 after restricting their opponents to 146, finishing on 149 for 5.

The result was shaped by sustained pressure from Josh Hazlewood and Krunal Pandya, who combined to control the middle phase. While others collected more wickets, their tight spells created the conditions for breakthroughs at the other end. Rishabh Pant endured a difficult outing, retiring hurt after a blow to his left elbow before returning later and falling for 1 off 6.

Hazlewood sets the tone early

With Hazlewood back in the XI, RCB seized early control. Bowling three of the first seven overs on a dry surface that offered grip, he denied batters any room to attack.

Pant was struck on the elbow when attempting to force the pace and had to leave the field, while Nicholas Pooran dragged one back onto his stumps under pressure. RCB’s quicks conceded just over seven runs per over in the first ten overs, and when they held a tight off-stump line, the scoring rate dipped to just over three.

Hazlewood’s control was so pronounced that RCB even employed attacking close-in fielders, underlining the pressure he generated.

Krunal reaches milestone

Krunal Pandya joined an elite group of IPL spinners by reaching 100 wickets, a list typically dominated by wrist-spin and mystery bowling.

His variations proved effective again, including a crouched, low-arm delivery that deceived Mitchell Marsh. Marsh, who had scored 40 of LSG’s 71 at that stage, misjudged the bounce and was bowled off an inside edge.

Between them, Hazlewood and Krunal delivered 23 dot balls. That sustained pressure brought rewards for Rasikh Salam, who claimed 4 for 24, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who took 3 for 27. LSG lost five wickets in the final overs, including Pant after he returned to bat with his arm strapped.

Kohli leads the chase

Used as an Impact Substitute for the first time in his IPL career, Virat Kohli started fluently, striking six fours and a six in his first 14 balls. LSG’s tendency to bowl too full played into his hands as RCB raced to 60 in the powerplay, with Kohli contributing 32 off 14.

Once the field spread and LSG adjusted their lengths, scoring became tougher. Kohli slowed down, adding 17 runs off his last 20 balls before falling for 49 off 34.

Patidar maintains attacking intent

Rajat Patidar continued his aggressive form, reinforcing his reputation as one of the most consistent boundary-hitters this season. He has already struck 21 sixes, with a balls-per-six ratio under five.

Rather than easing towards the target, RCB maintained their attacking approach, keeping pressure on LSG’s bowlers. The chase was completed with five wickets in hand, even if it came at the cost of a couple of additional dismissals.

What this means

The win takes Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the top of the IPL 2026 table and highlights the balance in their side, with both bowling discipline and batting intent playing key roles. For Lucknow Super Giants, the defeat underlines the importance of adapting tactics to conditions, particularly in defending modest totals.

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