Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) suffered a major blow in their playoff campaign after going down to Sunrisers Hyderabad by 42 runs in a high-scoring encounter last night.
The loss not only hurt RCB’s momentum but also impacted their position on the points table, pushing them out of the top two. On the other hand, Punjab Kings emerged as the unexpected beneficiaries of this result, moving up from third to second place without even taking the field.
RCB fall out of the top-two bracket
The defeat was a double setback for RCB. Not only did they fail to secure two crucial points, but their net run rate also took a hit, causing them to fall out of the top-two bracket on the points table.
This allowed Punjab Kings to leapfrog them and take the second spot, gaining a big advantage without playing a match. The equation is now simple for Punjab: a win against Delhi Capitals in their next outing will take them to the top of the table.
For the unversed, top two teams in points table at the end of league stage play Qualifier 1 – which means they get two chances to make it to the finals.
Gujarat Titans currently lead the standings with 18 points, while Punjab Kings are now well placed to challenge for the top spot. If Shreyas Iyer’s side manages to win both their remaining matches, they will finish with 21 points – ensuring a first-place finish and, more importantly, two opportunities to make it to the final.
Meanwhile, RCB must now rely on other results going in their favor to reclaim a strong position heading into the playoffs.
SRH defeat Bangalore by 42 runs
Sunrisers Hyderabad, already eliminated from the playoff race, played for pride and managed to disrupt RCB’s plans.
Batting first, Sunrisers posted an imposing total of 231 runs for the loss of six wickets. Wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan was the standout performer with a blazing unbeaten 94 off just 48 deliveries.
Despite being out of contention, Sunrisers displayed an aggressive and fearless brand of cricket, which caught RCB off-guard.
In response, RCB never looked in full control during the chase. Although Phil Salt’s 62 and Virat Kohli’s composed 43 gave them some hope, the team eventually were bowled out for 189 in 19.5 overs.
