IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their impressive run in IPL 2026 with a six-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur on Wednesday, May 13. Chasing a challenging 193-run target, RCB crossed the finish line with five balls remaining to climb to the top of the points table thanks to a superior net run rate. Although both RCB and Gujarat Titans have 16 points from 12 matches, the Bengaluru-based side moved ahead into the No.1 spot.
Two more wins to reach Playoffs
Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB will now head into two crucial away fixtures against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala on May 17 and SunRisers Hyderabad in Hyderabad on May 22. Winning both matches would take them to 20 points and secure a top-two finish regardless of net run rate, giving them the advantage of an extra opportunity to qualify for the final through Qualifier 2 even if they lose Qualifier 1. However, a defeat in either game could leave their fate dependent on other results.
Apart from RCB, Shubman Gill’s Gujarat Titans are also in contention to touch the 20-point mark. GT currently sit second with 16 points from 12 matches and remain firmly in the race for a top-two finish. At third place, Pat Cummins-captained SunRisers Hyderabad have 14 points from 12 games, meaning their maximum possible tally is 18 points.
Punjab kings fighting for Playoff’s race
Meanwhile, Shreyas Iyer’s Punjab Kings are enjoying strong momentum after winning four matches in a row. PBKS have 13 points from 11 outings, and victories in all their remaining league games would take them to 19 points. That could put pressure on both RCB and GT if either side slips up in the final phase of the league stage, with net run rate potentially becoming decisive.
Further down the table, Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals occupy fifth and sixth positions respectively with 12 points each from 11 matches. Both teams can still finish on 18 points if they win their remaining three games, keeping the battle for the top two spots wide open among six teams.
King kohli ruling since 2008
Earlier in the match, Virat Kohli bounced back in emphatic fashion after consecutive ducks, producing a match-winning unbeaten century for RCB. The star batter smashed 105* off just 60 deliveries, hammering 11 fours and three sixes to guide his side home in style. Devdutt Padikkal also played an important supporting role with a brisk 39 off 27 balls.
For KKR, Kartik Tyagi impressed with three wickets, but the rest of the bowling attack struggled to contain RCB’s batting unit as Bengaluru completed another crucial win in their playoff push.
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