Source sport star
BENGALURU – The opening night of the IPL 2026 season delivered immediate drama at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) moved within touching distance of a successful chase against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). Despite a sudden mid-over collapse triggered by David Payne, RCB reached 170/4 after 14 overs, needing just 32 runs from the final 36 deliveries.
The Padikkal Power-Show
Chasing a formidable target of 202, RCB’s pursuit was ignited by a sensational knock from Devdutt Padikkal. The left-hander looked in sublime touch from the outset, dismantling the SRH attack with a flurry of boundaries. Padikkal reached his half-century in just 21 balls, eventually departing for a match-defining 61 off 26 deliveries. His aggression ensured that the required run rate remained well under control, even as opening partner Phil Salt fell early.
Payne Gives SRH a Glimmer of Hope
The match took a sharp turn in the 13th over when SRH’s David Payne produced a double-wicket maiden-like burst. Payne first removed the dangerous RCB skipper, Rajat Patidar (31 off 12), who had just hammered Eshan Malinga for two massive sixes. On the very next ball, Payne silenced the Bengaluru crowd by dismissing Jitesh Sharma for a golden duck, leaving the hosts momentarily rattled at 164/4.
Kohli Anchors the Chase
Amidst the flurry of wickets, the evergreen Virat Kohli remained the steady hand for RCB. Approaching another IPL milestone, Kohli sat unbeaten on 49 (32)* at the end of the 14th over. Alongside him, the powerful Tim David (4*) looked to navigate the final stretch of the chase.
Earlier in the evening, Sunrisers Hyderabad posted 201/9, propelled by a blistering 80 off 38 balls from Ishan Kishan. Despite Kishan’s heroics, RCB’s bowlers—led by Jacob Duffy and Suyash Sharma—managed to pull things back in the death overs to prevent a 220-plus total.
Current Equation: RCB require 32 runs in 6 overs with 6 wickets in hand.
