IPL 2026 RCB vs LSG: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) surged to the top of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026’s points table on Wednesday as they posted a 5-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), easily outnumbering a modest 147 with nearly five overs to spare. After restricting LSG to 147, RCB’s bowlers laid the foundation stone for a clinical run chase, showcasing control and tactical discipline on a slow surface. 

Hazlewood, Krunal apply the squeeze

In the match number 23, the turning point came through the relentless pressure exerted by Josh Hazlewood and Krunal Pandya, who combined to bowl 23 dot deliveries. While the duo shared three wickets, their real impact lay in stifling the scoring rate and forcing errors. Hazlewood, returning to the side, was particularly incisive with the new ball, maintaining a probing line outside off stump. His discipline bore a sweet fruit as LSG struggled to break free, with early wickets denting their momentum.

Meanwhile, Krunal reached a significant milestone of 100 IPL wickets, dismissing Mitchell Marsh with a clever variation, Marsh, who emerged as the top scorer for LSG with 40, misjudged a delivery that stayed low, resulting in his dismissal. The pressure paved the way for Rasikh Salam (4-24) and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3-27) to capitalise, as LSG lost five wickets in the death overs. 

Pant’s elbow injury compounds LSG’s woes

It was a difficult outing for Rishabh Pant, who suffered a blow to his left elbow early in the innings, and was forced to retire hurt. He later returned, but managed to log just one run, symbolising LSG’s struggles against RCB’s disciplined pace attack.

IPL 2026 RCB vs LSG: Kohli leads the charge while chasing 147

In reply, RCB’s Virat Kohli provided early impetus, playing as an Impact substitute for the first time in his IPL career. He raced to 32 off just 14 deliveries, striking six boundaries and a six to put RCB firmly in control. RCB garnered 60 runs in the powerplay, capitalising on LSG’s over-pitched bowling. Although Kohli suffered a slowdown as conditions tightened, he still rose as a top scorer with 49 off 34 balls, anchoring the chase. 

With the win, RCB did not just strengthen their campaign, but also sent a clear message to their rivals in the tournament.

Also read: IPL 2026: Debutants Praful Hinge, Sakib help SRH crush Royals by 57 runs