Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) snapped a six-match losing streak with a nail-biting 9-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) via the DLS method, in a rain-affected encounter at the Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow. Mitchell Marsh stole the show with a sensational 111 off 56 balls, helping LSG post a formidable 209/3 in 19 overs. RCB fought hard but fell short at 203/6.
Mitchell Marsh’s explosive knock sets a massive target
RCB won the toss and opted to bowl first. Rain interruptions reduced the game to 19 overs per side, but that didn’t stop Mitchell Marsh from launching a spectacular assault. The Australian all-rounder smashed nine fours and nine sixes, reaching his fifty in just 20 balls and his century off 49 deliveries.
Arshin Kulkarni provided a steady start with 17, while Nicholas Pooran (38) and skipper Rishabh Pant (32* off 10) added crucial late fireworks. Pant’s explosive finish, including powerful boundaries, pushed LSG past 200. RCB’s bowlers struggled on a batting-friendly pitch, with Josh Hazlewood claiming 1/49 and Krunal Pandya 1/31 being the most economical.
Chasing a revised DLS target of 213, RCB got off to a disastrous start. Mohammed Shami dismissed Jacob Bethell early, and young pacer Prince Yadav produced a beauty to clean-bowl Virat Kohli for a duck. Devdutt Padikkal (34) and captain Rajat Patidar (61 off 31, with six sixes) rebuilt with a 95-run stand, keeping RCB in the hunt.
Prince Yadav struck again by dismissing Devdutt Padikkal and Jitesh Sharma and ending his spell with a three-wicket haul (3/33). Tim David (40 off 17) and lower-order resistance from Krunal Pandya (28*) and Romario Shepherd (23*) brought the equation down to 20 off the final over. However, Digvesh Rathi held his nerve, conceding just 10 runs in the last over as RCB finished 9 runs short.
IPL 2026 implications
The win ends LSG’s eight-match losing streak at home and keeps their faint playoff hopes alive, though they still remain at the bottom. RCB, despite the loss, stay competitive in the top four but suffered their first chase defeat in five attempts this season.
Impact on the IPL 2026 points table
Royal Challengers Bengaluru currently occupy the third spot on the IPL 2026 points table after 10 matches. With 6 wins and 4 losses, they have accumulated 12 points and boast an impressive net run rate of +1.234, which is the highest among all teams. RCB’s superior run rate difference positions them favourably for playoff qualification as they look to maintain their momentum in the remaining league stage games.
Lucknow Super Giants find themselves at the bottom of the IPL 2026 points table in 10th position after 10 matches. They have managed only 3 wins against 7 losses, resulting in 6 points and a negative net run rate of -0.934. This poor showing has left them struggling at the lower end of the standings, with a difficult path ahead to climb back into contention for the playoffs.