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RCB Storm Into IPL 2026 Final After Crushing Gujarat Titans By 92 Runs In Qualifier 1

  • By Thetripurapost Desk, Dharamsala
  • May 26, 2026
  • 229

Royal Challengers Bangalore delivered a commanding performance to enter the IPL 2026 final for the second consecutive season after defeating Gujarat Titans by 92 runs in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday.

The high-voltage IPL playoff clash at Dharamsala witnessed a batting masterclass from RCB skipper Rajat Patidar, whose explosive unbeaten knock powered Bengaluru to a massive total of 254 for 5 in 20 overs.

In reply, Gujarat Titans were bowled out for 162 runs in 19.3 overs, handing Royal Challengers Bangalore one of their biggest victories in IPL playoff history.

IPL 2026 Qualifier 1 Match Summary

  • Royal Challengers Bangalore: 254/5 in 20 overs
  • Gujarat Titans: 162 all out in 19.3 overs
  • Result: RCB won by 92 runs
  • Venue: Dharamsala
  • Player of the Match contender: Rajat Patidar

Following the defeat, Gujarat Titans will now face the winner of the Eliminator between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 at New Chandigarh on Wednesday.

Virat Kohli And Devdutt Padikkal Give RCB Strong Start

After losing the toss, Bengaluru opener Phil Salt provided early momentum with a quickfire 19 runs off just seven balls.

Star batter Virat Kohli then anchored the innings with an aggressive 43 off 25 deliveries, while Devdutt Padikkal contributed 30 runs from 19 balls.

The pair ensured Royal Challengers Bangalore maintained a high scoring rate during the powerplay overs.

Rajat Patidar And Krunal Pandya Destroy Gujarat Titans Bowling

The match turned completely in RCB’s favour after skipper Rajat Patidar unleashed a brutal counterattack.

Patidar smashed an unbeaten 93 runs off only 33 balls, hammering five boundaries and nine towering sixes. He stitched together a crucial 95-run partnership for the fourth wicket with Krunal Pandya.

Krunal played a valuable innings of 43 runs off 28 balls, hitting five fours and two sixes.

In the final over, Jitesh Sharma added late fireworks by scoring 15 runs off five deliveries, helping Bengaluru cross the massive 250-run mark.

For Gujarat Titans, Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder picked up two wickets each.

Gujarat Titans Collapse Under Pressure

Chasing a daunting target of 255, Gujarat Titans failed to build partnerships and kept losing wickets at regular intervals.

RCB bowlers maintained pressure throughout the innings, restricting Gujarat to 162 before bowling them out in the final over.

The emphatic victory has boosted Royal Challengers Bangalore’s hopes of finally lifting their maiden IPL trophy in the 2026 season.