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IPL 2026 Qualifier 1: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have officially finished the IPL 2026 league stage at the top of the points table after a high-scoring defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 22. The result confirmed the final playoff lineup and set up Qualifier 1 between RCB and Gujarat Titans.
SRH Batting Domination: 255/4 Sets Massive Target
Sunrisers Hyderabad delivered a powerful batting performance after electing to bat first, putting RCB under pressure with a huge total.
Key SRH Performances
- Abhishek Sharma - 56 (attacking start)
- Ishan Kishan - 79 (top-order control)
- Heinrich Klaasen - 51 (finishing impact)
- Team Total - 255/4 in 20 overs
RCB bowlers struggled to contain the aggressive SRH batting lineup throughout the innings.
Also Read: SRH vs RCB Match Highlights: IPL 2026 | Hyderabad on 22-May-2026
RCB Fight Back in Chase: Table Top Spot Secured
Despite conceding a huge total, RCB ensured they did enough in the chase to remain ahead in the standings.
- SRH needed to restrict RCB below 165 to overtake them
- RCB crossed the required threshold comfortably
- Net run rate advantage helped RCB retain No.1 position
Final IPL 2026 League Table: Top 4 Standings Confirmed
| Rank | Team | Points | Playoff Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | 18 | Qualifier 1 |
| 2 | Gujarat Titans | 18 | Qualifier 1 |
| 3 | Sunrisers Hyderabad | 18 | Eliminator |
| 4 | To Be Decided | — | Eliminator vs SRH |
Qualifier 1 Confirmed: RCB vs Gujarat Titans Clash
| Fixture | Matchup | Venue | Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Qualifier 1 | RCB vs Gujarat Titans | HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala | May 26, 2026 |
- Winner enters IPL 2026 Final directly
- Loser gets another chance in Qualifier 2
Destination: Dharamshala 🏔️
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 22, 2026
Stakes: A direct ticket to the Final 🎟️
Qualifier 1 is officially locked 🔥#TATAIPL | #TheFinalLeap pic.twitter.com/zXhONG1hUP
Final Playoff Spot Battle: Four Teams in Contention
The race for the last playoff position remains open, with four teams still fighting:
- Rajasthan Royals
- Punjab Kings
- Kolkata Knight Riders
- Delhi Capitals
Eliminator Scenario
- 4th placed team will face SRH in Eliminator
- Winner advances to Qualifier 2
- Loser gets eliminated from IPL 2026
IPL 2026 Playoffs Outlook: High-Stakes Knockout Phase Begins
With the league stage concluded, the focus now shifts to knockout cricket. RCB and Gujarat Titans battle for a direct ticket to the final, while SRH waits for their Eliminator opponent. The final playoff spot will decide the remaining path to the IPL 2026 trophy.
Also Read: Check Updated IPL 2026 Points Table After SRH vs RCB
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