Last Updated: May 27, 2026 12:00 AM
In Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered a spectacular performance, defeating the Gujarat Titans by 92 runs to secure a direct spot in the final.
In this match, played at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamshala, RCB batted first and posted a massive total of 254 runs in their allotted 20 overs.
In response, the Gujarat team was bundled out for just 162 runs in 19.3 overs.
The biggest hero of RCB’s victory was captain Rajat Patidar, who smashed an unbeaten 93 runs off just 33 balls.
His innings featured 9 towering sixes and 5 fours. Apart from him, Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya contributed 43 runs each, helping the team reach a formidable total.
Patidar’s Explosive Batting Turns the Tide
RCB got off to a brisk start, but the real onslaught was witnessed during the middle overs. Rajat Patidar mercilessly thrashed the Gujarat bowlers.
Particularly in the death overs, he consistently played big shots, propelling the team’s score past the 250-run mark.
For Gujarat, Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder claimed two wickets each, but the rest of the bowlers proved to be quite expensive. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna also conceded a significant number of runs.
Chasing a massive target of 254 runs, Gujarat got off to an abysmal start. Captain Shubman Gill was dismissed after scoring just 2 runs.
Meanwhile, Jos Buttler scored a quickfire 29 runs but could not stay at the crease for long either. The team had lost 5 wickets for a mere 51 runs.
RCB Bowlers Completely Dismantle GT
RCB’s bowlers maintained pressure right from the very beginning. Jacob Duffy claimed 3 wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya took 2 wickets each.
Rasikh Dar Salam also delivered a brilliant bowling performance, completely dismantling Gujarat’s middle order.
Although Rahul Tewatia put up a fight by scoring 68 runs, the other batsmen were unable to provide him with the necessary support.
With this massive victory, RCB has now reached the final of IPL 2026, while Gujarat Titans will get another opportunity in the second Qualifier.
