New Delhi, May 18 -- In a pivotal double-header on Sunday (May 17) that intensified the IPL 2026 playoff race, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) became the first team to secure a spot in the playoffs, dismantling Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 23 runs in Dharamsala. On the other hand, Delhi Capitals (DC) kept their qualification hopes firmly alive with a five-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals (RR) in a high-scoring thriller at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.

At the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium in Dharamsala, Punjab Kings won the toss and elected to bowl first under skipper Shreyas Iyer. But RCB's batting lineup exploded, posting a commanding 222/4 in 20 overs. Virat Kohli anchored the innings with a fluent 58 off 37 balls, including...