RCB dominate SRH in IPL opener as Kohl hits unbeaten 69, win by six wickets
Royal Challengers Bengaluru began the inaugural match of India's biggest cricket tournament with a commanding victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad on Saturday afternoon (March 28). Virat Kohli led his side to an easy chase down against SRH bowling as he scored unbeaten six runs, while Devdutt Padikkal and Glenn Duffy also contributed significantly.
Key Points
-
1Virat Kohli scored an unbeaten half-century and Devdutt Padikkal contributed a similar effort as key drivers for Royal Challengers Bengaluru's victory.
-
2Defending champions RCB defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets in the IPL 2026 season opener at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium with ease after chasing down their target of over two hundred runs.
-
3Jacob Duffy dismantled Sunrisers Hyderabad in the first innings before Kohli and Padikkal led Bengaluru home with clinical execution.
Developments
Perspectives
Royal Challengers Bengaluru outclassed Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets in a high-octane match at M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
— [Mar 28, 18:35] IPL 2026 RCB vs SRH (Thehindu)Virat Kohli hit an unbeaten 69 to lead the team in a victory that included tributes for fans who died last year.
— [Mar 28, 18:23] Kohli fires Bengaluru to big winRCB chased down SRH's total of 202 with ease thanks to half-centuries from Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal in just over fifteen overs.
— [Mar 28, 18:07] Timesofindia.indiatimes.comRCB romped home after Jacob Duffy dismantled Sunrisers Hyderabad's top order to begin their IPL title defence successfully against SRH bowling buffet
— [Mar 28, 17:49] Indiatoday.inIn the IPL 2025 season opener held in front of its first full crowd since last year's stampede, Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets. Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal led a dominant RCB innings with scores of not out-69* (38 balls) and 51 respectively to chase down the target comfortably against bowling conditions that favored batters over bowlers like Eshan Malinga, while Ishan Kishan scored an unbeaten half-century for SRH.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Sunrisers Hyderabad by 6 wickets at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, honoring fans who died last year with a tribute and black armbands before the match. Virat Kohli led RCB to victory in their first IPL title win since 2018 (the text states "first...in 15 attempts" but notes they won it previously; however, based strictly on his performance described as unbeaten) with an innings of not out for a total chase target.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their IPL 2026 opener by six wickets against Sunrisers Hyderabad at M Chinnaswamy Stadium, chasing a target set after SRH posted an early lead of over two runs in the first innings. Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal each scored half-centuries to guide RCB's chase from 203/4 (15 overs) against their opponents' total of just under that mark, with debutant Jacob Duffy taking three wickets for his Player of the Match award on a dry pitch.
In IPL 2026's opener in Bengaluru, Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated SunRisers Hyderabad by six wickets with a score of 203 for four to their opponent's run chase. Jacob Duffy dismantled SRH's top order while Ishan Kish scored an unbeaten 80 as the defending champions began strong after three consecutive home losses last year, whereas RCB captain Pat Cummins was absent and SunRisers missed key bowling options like Brydon Carse in a match decided by attacking quality.