Picture Credit: BCCI
Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered a controlled bowling performance to limit the Gujarat Titans to 155/8 in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium.
After choosing to bowl first, Bengaluru struck twice during the Powerplay through Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Rasikh Salam Dar further strengthened Bengaluru’s grip on the contest with a three-wicket haul, ensuring Gujarat never gained sustained momentum.
As wickets continued to tumble around him, Washington Sundar emerged as Gujarat’s standout performer with an unbeaten half-century.
The left-hander survived an early scare when Jordan Cox failed to hold onto a difficult chance cleanly.
Washington made full use of the lifeline and compiled a patient innings, finding the boundary on five occasions while steering Gujarat towards a competitive total.
Hazlewood removed Gujarat captain Shubman Gill for 10 after forcing an error with a short delivery. Soon afterwards, Bhuvneshwar dismissed Sai Sudharsan. The twin blows left the hosts struggling.
Nishant Sindhu and Jos Buttler attempted to rebuild the innings, but Bengaluru’s disciplined attack restricted scoring opportunities.
Rasikh eventually dismissed Sindhu. Later, Krunal Pandya ended Buttler’s resistance with a clever delivery. Jitesh Sharma completed the stumping behind the wickets.
Arshad Khan provided brief entertainment by striking Gujarat’s first six of the innings and ending a lengthy wait for a maximum. Bengaluru quickly regained control as Hazlewood removed him before Rasikh sent Rahul Tewatia back to the pavilion.
Washington continued to rotate the strike effectively and reached his fifty from 37 deliveries. Rashid Khan chipped in with a late six, but Gujarat lost him shortly afterwards while attempting to push the total beyond 160.
Bengaluru’s bowlers executed their plans with consistency from start to finish. Rasikh led the attack with three wickets, while Bhuvneshwar claimed two and Krunal delivered a miserly spell in the middle overs.
Gujarat Titans closed their innings on 155/8 from 20 overs, leaving Bengaluru with a target of 156.
Virat Kohli leads a powerful Bengaluru batting unit. As a result, the defending champions will back themselves to complete the chase and secure another IPL crown.
Also Read: IPL Final Begins: RCB Opt To Bowl, GT Make One Change
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