New Delhi, May 17 -- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) became the first team to book their spot in the IPL 2026 playoffs with a dominating 23-run victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Sunday (May 17) at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. The win took RCB to 18 points from 13 matches, sealing their place in the top four with one league game still to play. PBKS, meanwhile, stayed on 13 points and now face an uphill battle to keep their playoff hopes alive.

PBKS won the toss and elected to bowl first on a lively Dharamsala pitch. RCB made the most of it, posting a commanding 222/4 in 20 overs. Venkatesh Iyer led the charge with an unbeaten 73 off just 40 balls, his maiden IPL half-century of the season, while Virat Kohli chipped in with a steady...