Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) cruised past Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by five wickets in the 23rd match of IPL 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
After being asked to bat first, LSG managed to score 146 runs in 20 overs. Aiden Markram was the highest scorer for LSG. Josh Hazlewood (1/20 in 4 overs) started the damage by dismissing Nicholas Pooran in the seventh over. A disciplined and effective bowling effort from Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3/27 in 4 overs) and Rasikh Salam (4/24 in 4 overs) dismantled LSG’s batting line-up and set the platform for RCB. Krunal Pandya also picked up two wickets.
During the chase, Prince Yadav gave RCB an early setback by dismissing Phil Salt. However, Virat Kohli stitched a quick 57-run partnership for the second wicket with Devdutt Padikkal. At the halfway mark, RCB were comfortably placed at 86/2 before Kohli was dismissed.
Blazing cameos from Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma took RCB closer to the target. Later, Tim David and Romario Shepherd finished the match with 29 balls to spare. With this win, RCB moved to the top of the table with eight points and a strong net run rate.
Hazlewood and Krunal Build Pressure
Josh Hazlewood and Krunal Pandya played a key role with the ball. While they shared three wickets, their real impact came from creating constant pressure. This pressure forced LSG batters into mistakes, which helped other bowlers pick up wickets.
Rishabh Pant had a tough outing. He was hit on his left elbow early in the innings and had to retire hurt in the fifth over. He returned later when LSG were struggling but could only score 1 off 6 balls before getting out.
Hazlewood’s Control Sets the Tone
Hazlewood made an immediate impact after returning to the team. He bowled three of the first seven overs and kept things extremely tight.
The pitch was dry and slightly slow, which suited his style. He consistently bowled in disciplined areas, not allowing batters to play freely. When Pant tried to attack, he was struck on the elbow. When Nicholas Pooran attempted a shot, he ended up dragging the ball onto his stumps.
RCB’s pace bowlers conceded just over seven runs per over in the first 10 overs. When they focused on bowling outside off stump, the scoring rate dropped to just over three runs per over. Hazlewood was so effective that RCB even placed attacking fielders like slip and short leg at one stage.
Krunal Reaches Milestone with Smart Variations
Krunal Pandya reached a major milestone by becoming one of the few spinners with 100 IPL wickets. Unlike many others on the list, he relies on accuracy and variation rather than mystery or sharp turn.
Recently, he has added new elements to his bowling. He has experimented with bouncers and unusual release points. In this match, he used a low-arm delivery to dismiss Mitchell Marsh.
Marsh had scored 40 out of LSG’s 71 runs at that point. He expected a short ball to bounce, but Krunal’s variation kept it low. The ball took an inside edge and hit the stumps.
Hazlewood and Krunal bowled a combined 23 dot balls. Their tight spells created pressure, which helped Rasikh Salam (4 for 24) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3 for 27) take wickets.
Pant returned to bat with his arm strapped but became one of five batters dismissed in the death overs.
Kohli Starts Fast, Falls Short of Fifty
Virat Kohli, playing as an Impact Sub for the first time in his IPL career, started aggressively. He hit six boundaries and a six in his first 14 balls. He showed intent by playing innovative shots and taking risks.
LSG bowlers made things easier by pitching the ball too full. On this surface, shorter lengths were more effective, as shown by RCB’s bowlers.
RCB raced to 60 runs in the powerplay, with Kohli scoring 32 off 14 balls. However, once the field spread and LSG adjusted their lengths, scoring became harder.
Kohli slowed down and managed only 17 runs off his next 20 balls. He was eventually dismissed for 49 off 34 deliveries.
Patidar Keeps the Pressure On
Rajat Patidar continued his excellent form. He played an aggressive innings and focused on hitting sixes. This season, he has already hit 21 sixes, the most by any player. His strike rate for sixes is also impressive, with fewer than five balls needed per six.
Even though RCB could have chased the target more cautiously, they chose to stay aggressive. They kept attacking the bowlers and maintained pressure throughout the chase.
RCB Stay True to Their Style
RCB completed the chase comfortably, even if it meant losing a couple of extra wickets. Their approach showed confidence and clarity in their game plan.
In the end, the team preferred to stick to their attacking identity rather than slow down. It proved effective, as they secured an easy win and strengthened their position at the top of the table.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) delivered a commanding performance against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). They bowled LSG out for just 146 and chased the target with nearly five overs remaining. This victory pushed RCB to the top of the IPL 2026 points table.
RCB built their win on disciplined bowling and a steady batting effort. They controlled the match from the start and never allowed LSG to recover. Stay tuned with JUSZNEWS for regular updates!