Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) faced Punjab Kings (PBKS) in their final IPL 2026 game in Dharamshala. The match took place on Sunday, May 17.
Punjab Kings Opt to Field First
Punjab Kings won the toss and opted to field. The PBKS playing XI included Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer, Suryansh Shedge, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Lockie Ferguson, Arshdeep Singh, and Yuzvendra Chahal.
RCB’s playing XI consisted of Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Venkatesh Iyer, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, and Suyash Sharma.
Kohli and Iyer Lead RCB to Massive Total
RCB posted a massive total of 222 runs. Venkatesh Iyer scored an unbeaten half-century. Virat Kohli also completed his half-century before being dismissed.
Brar picked up two wickets, including Padikkal’s. RCB dominated proceedings on a slow wicket in Dharamsala.
Bethell was dismissed early, but Virat and Padikkal timed it sweetly after adjusting to the pace of the wicket.
Punjab Kings Fight in Vain
PBKS are in a rut after losing six games in a row. However, their playoff hopes are still alive, thanks to their brilliant run at the start of the tournament.
Connoly departed after a fine start to his innings. Three wickets fell inside the powerplay as RCB bowlers were breathing fire. Shashank and Stoinis put together an important partnership to keep PBKS alive in the run chase.
RCB Secure Top Four Spot
RCB have sealed their top-four berth with two points on Sunday. They now have 18 points. That’s all from Dharamshala and progress to the playoffs.
- RCB posted 222 runs.
- Kohli and Iyer scored half-centuries.
- RCB bowlers took three wickets in the powerplay.
RCB sit comfortably in the points table after their victory.