Daijiworld Media Network – Dharamsala

Dharamsala, May 27: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) produced a dominant all-round performance to crush Gujarat Titans (GT) by 92 runs in Qualifier 1 on Tuesday and seal a place in the IPL 2026 final.

After being put in to bat, RCB posted a mammoth 254 for 5 in 20 overs — the highest total ever recorded in an IPL playoff match.

Captain Rajat Patidar led from the front with a breathtaking unbeaten 93 off just 33 deliveries, while Virat Kohli and Krunal Pandya chipped in with valuable knocks of 43 each.

Kohli also etched his name into the record books by becoming the first player in IPL history to score more than 600 runs in four consecutive seasons.

Chasing a daunting target, Gujarat Titans suffered an early collapse, losing five wickets during the powerplay itself. Opener Sai Sudharsan was dismissed hit-wicket, while skipper Shubman Gill failed to make an impact.

Rahul Tewatia fought back with a spirited 68, but the effort proved insufficient as GT were bowled out for 162 in 19.3 overs.

Jacob Duffy starred with the ball for RCB, claiming three wickets, while Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Rasikh Dar and Krunal Pandya picked up two wickets each.

With the emphatic victory, RCB advanced directly to the IPL 2026 final. Gujarat Titans, meanwhile, will get another opportunity when they face the winner of the Eliminator in Qualifier 2 for a spot in the title clash.