RCB Triumphs Over Gujarat Titans to Secure IPL Final Spot

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) achieved a remarkable victory over Gujarat Titans (GT) in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, winning by 92 runs. Rahul Tewatia's impressive 68 runs set a new record for the highest score by a player batting at number seven or lower in IPL playoff history. RCB's total of 254/5 is the highest ever in a playoff match, showcasing their dominance. With this win, RCB advances to the finals for the second consecutive year, highlighting their strong performance throughout the tournament.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 27, 2026, 07:47 IST

RCB Advances to IPL Final with Dominant Performance

In a thrilling encounter at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) triumphed over Gujarat Titans (GT) by a staggering 92 runs in Qualifier 1 of IPL 2026, marking their second consecutive appearance in the finals. Despite the heavy defeat, Rahul Tewatia emerged as a standout performer, scoring 68 runs off 43 balls. His remarkable innings set a new IPL record for the highest score by a player batting at number seven or lower in a playoff match, surpassing the previous record held by the legendary MS Dhoni, who scored 63 runs in the 2013 final against Mumbai Indians.

Top Scores in IPL Playoff Matches from No. 7 or Lower:

Player	Team	Runs	Balls	Against	Venue	Date
Rahul Tewatia	Gujarat Titans	68	43	Royal Challengers Bengaluru	Dharamsala	May 26, 2026
MS Dhoni	Chennai Super Kings	63*	45	Mumbai Indians	Kolkata	May 26, 2013
Brad Hodge	Rajasthan Royals	54*	29	Sunrisers Hyderabad	Delhi	May 22, 2013
Andre Russell	Kolkata Knight Riders	49*	25	Rajasthan Royals	Kolkata	May 23, 2018
Carlos Brathwaite	Sunrisers Hyderabad	43*	29	Chennai Super Kings	Mumbai (WS)	May 22, 2018

RCB's Stellar Performance Led by Rajat Patidar

RCB set a remarkable total of 254/5, the highest ever recorded in an IPL playoff match. Rajat Patidar was the highlight of the innings, smashing 93 runs off just 33 balls, including nine sixes. Virat Kohli contributed significantly with a quick 43 runs off 25 balls. A notable partnership of 95 runs between Patidar and Krunal Pandya (43 off 28) came in just 35 balls. On the bowling front, Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder each took two wickets.

The defending champions then restricted the 2022 titleholders to a mere 162 runs, with their pace attack claiming five wickets during the powerplay. Tewatia's innings, while impressive, was not enough to change the outcome. Jacob Duffy was the standout bowler with figures of 3-39, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Salam Dar, and Krunal Pandya each took two wickets. With this victory, RCB has secured their place in the IPL final for the second consecutive year.