IPL 2026: RCB outclass LSG by 5 wickets in comfortable chase

Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a five-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants in Match 23 of IPL 2026 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, successfully chasing a target of 147 with a composed and controlled batting effort.

LSG, after being put in to bat, were bowled out for 146 in 20 overs in a innings that never fully gained momentum despite a few steady partnerships.

The match began on a setback for Lucknow Super Giants when captain Rishabh Pant was forced to retire hurt early after being struck on the elbow. This disrupted their top-order stability and impacted the flow of their innings. Mitchell Marsh provided a steady start, but LSG struggled to convert starts into substantial partnerships. Aiden Markram and Nicholas Pooran attempted to rebuild the innings in the middle overs, but RCB’s disciplined bowling attack ensured wickets fell at regular intervals, preventing any sustained acceleration.

RCB’s bowlers maintained tight lines and effective variations throughout the innings, keeping the scoring under control on a surface that typically supports high totals. The middle-order collapse proved decisive as LSG slipped from a position of relative stability to being restricted to a below-par score. Their lower order also failed to provide late impetus, leaving them with a modest total of 146 all out.

In response, Royal Challengers Bengaluru approached the chase with a measured and structured plan. The openers laid a solid foundation by negotiating the new ball carefully and avoiding early risks. The innings gradually built momentum as batters rotated strike efficiently and capitalised on loose deliveries, ensuring the required run rate remained manageable throughout.

Although LSG bowlers, including Avesh Khan, managed to take wickets at regular intervals, they were unable to build consistent pressure due to RCB’s depth in batting and controlled approach. The chase was effectively shaped during the middle overs, where RCB increased their scoring rate and moved steadily towards the target without significant setbacks.

Despite losing wickets in the process, RCB never appeared under serious pressure and maintained control of the innings. They completed the chase in 14.2 overs, finishing at 147 for 5, securing a comfortable five-wicket win. The result highlighted RCB’s balanced performance, with disciplined bowling restricting LSG and a calm batting display ensuring a smooth finish.

The win strengthens Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s position in the IPL 2026 standings, while Lucknow Super Giants will look to address concerns in their batting consistency, particularly in handling early setbacks and building partnerships under pressure.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will next face Gujarat Titans, while Lucknow Super Giants are scheduled to meet Rajasthan Royals as the tournament continues.