Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) registered a comprehensive 43-run victory over Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in their IPL 2026 clash at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Sunday, continuing their unbeaten start to the season.
A dominant batting display powered RCB to 250/3, before a disciplined bowling effort restricted CSK to 207 in 19.4 overs.
Tim David led the charge with an unbeaten 70 off 25 balls, striking eight sixes, while Rajat Patidar remained not out on 48 off 19 deliveries. Devdutt Padikkal contributed 50 off 29 balls as RCB capitalised on a strong finish to post one of the highest totals of the season.
RCB’s innings gained momentum after a steady start. Virat Kohli scored 28 off 18 balls, while Phil Salt added 46 off 30 deliveries. However, it was the late onslaught from David and Patidar, who stitched together a 99-run stand in just 35 balls, that lifted the total significantly. The innings featured 19 sixes.
In response, CSK’s chase faltered early after losing three wickets for just 30 runs. Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sanju Samson were dismissed cheaply, putting pressure on the middle order.
Sarfaraz Khan attempted a recovery with a 25-ball 50, while Prashant Veer added 43 off 29 balls. Jamie Overton provided late resistance with 37 off 16 deliveries, but the required rate proved too steep.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar was the standout bowler for RCB, claiming 3/41 in four overs and removing key batters at crucial stages. He also reached the milestone of 200 IPL wickets, becoming only the second bowler to achieve the feat and the first pacer to do so.
Suyash Sharma (1/21) and Krunal Pandya (2/36) maintained control during the middle overs, preventing CSK from building sustained partnerships.
The result marks CSK’s third consecutive defeat this season, leaving them at the bottom of the points table. RCB, with two wins from two matches, move to the top with four points and a strong net run rate.
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