Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) delivered a commanding performance to defeat Gujarat Titans (GT) by eight wickets in the IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, securing their spot in the final. The victory was powered by a magnificent 93 off 55 balls from Rajat Patidar, which earned high praise from teammate Glenn Phillips.
Patidar's Masterclass Steers RCB to Victory
Chasing a target of 161, RCB lost captain Faf du Plessis early for 12. However, Patidar and Virat Kohli (44 off 38) stitched a crucial 89-run partnership for the second wicket. Patidar took the attack to the GT bowlers, smashing 10 fours and 4 sixes in his innings. After Kohli's departure, Patidar continued to dominate until he was dismissed with just 7 runs needed for victory. Glenn Maxwell (16 not out) and Dinesh Karthik (8 not out) then guided RCB home with 11 balls to spare.
Phillips: 'Patidar's Knock Was Fabulous'
New Zealand all-rounder Glenn Phillips, who scored 32 off 27 for GT earlier, was full of admiration for Patidar. "Rajat's innings was absolutely fabulous. He played some incredible shots under pressure and took the game away from us. It was a world-class knock," Phillips said after the match. "We set a competitive total but Patidar made it look easy. Hats off to him."
GT's Innings: Shankar and Phillips Lead
Earlier, GT won the toss and elected to bat. They lost early wickets but a 68-run partnership between Vijay Shankar (53 off 42) and Phillips stabilized the innings. Shankar's half-century included 5 fours and 2 sixes. Phillips contributed with 32, while Rashid Khan's late blitz of 28 off 11 balls propelled GT to 160 for 6 in 20 overs. For RCB, Mohammed Siraj was the pick of the bowlers with 2 for 28, while Josh Hazlewood took 2 for 35.
RCB's Bowling and Fielding Shine
RCB's bowlers maintained tight lines, with spinners Wanindu Hasaranga (1 for 26) and Shahbaz Ahmed (1 for 24) applying pressure in the middle overs. Siraj's early strikes and Hazlewood's death bowling restricted GT to a below-par total. A sharp catch from Kohli at long-on to dismiss Shankar was a standout moment in the field.
Road to the Final
With this win, RCB becomes the first team to reach the IPL 2026 final. They will face the winner of the Qualifier 2 between GT and the winner of the Eliminator. Patidar's form will be crucial for RCB in the title clash, as they seek their maiden IPL crown.
"We are very happy with the team effort. The bowlers set it up, and Rajat finished the job with the bat. We need to carry this momentum into the final," said RCB captain du Plessis.
The final is scheduled to be played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on May 28.
