Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continued their formidable form in IPL 2026, dismantling the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) by 5 wickets with 29 balls to spare. A masterclass in pace bowling followed by a ruthless chase ensured the home fans left the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in high spirits.
As convincing as it gets 🙌
A comfortable 5️⃣-wicket win and @RCBTweets remain unbeaten at home ✌️
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/UztAZM9l0q#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #RCBvLSG pic.twitter.com/pFkug0okkt
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 15, 2026
LSG Innings: A Story of Struggles and Injury Woes
After being put in to bat, Lucknow Super Giants never found their rhythm. The innings took a catastrophic turn early on when captain Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt. Pant was struck on the elbow by a searing delivery from Josh Hazlewood and looked in significant pain as he left the field—a moment that seemed to deflate the LSG dugout.
Despite a fighting 40 (32) from Mitchell Marsh and a quick-fire 38 (24) from Ayush Badoni, LSG were bundled out for 146, their lowest total of the season.
The Rasikh Dar Show
The star of the first innings was undoubtedly Rasikh Salam Dar. The young pacer was lethal, finishing with career-best figures of 4/24. He was brilliantly supported by the veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who dismantled the lower order with 3/27, and Krunal Pandya, who kept the pressure on his former side with two crucial wickets.
Absolute Class 👌
Virat Kohli wasting no time in the chase 🔥🔥
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/UztAZM9l0q#TATAIPL | #KhelBindaas | #RCBvLSG | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/MvHysjL3IV
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 15, 2026
The Chase: Kohli Anchors, Patidar Explodes
Chasing a modest 147, RCB’s pursuit was professional and clinical. Virat Kohli played the role of the anchor to perfection, scoring a steady 49 off 34 balls. While he narrowly missed his half-century, his presence allowed others to play freely.
The “swift” in “swift victory” came courtesy of Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma. Patidar smashed three towering sixes in his 27 (13), while Jitesh provided the finishing touches with a brisk 23. RCB reached 149/5 in just 15.1 overs, sealing a comprehensive win that bolsters their Net Run Rate significantly.
Match Summary
LSG: 146/10 in 20 overs (Mitchell Marsh 40, Ayush Badoni 38; Rasikh Dar 4/24, Bhuvneshwar Kumar 3/27)
RCB: 149/5 in 15.1 overs (Virat Kohli 49, Rajat Patidar 27; Prince Yadav 3/32)
Result: RCB won by 5 wickets.
Player of the Match: Josh Hazlewood
