Bengaluru, India — March 29, 2026
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) kicked off their Indian Premier League 2026 campaign in dominant fashion, securing a convincing six-wicket win over Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
In a high-scoring clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, RCB pulled off a record-breaking chase of over 200 runs in just 15.4 overs, setting a new benchmark in IPL history.
Record-Breaking Chase
After being asked to bowl first, SRH posted a competitive 201/9 in 20 overs, powered by aggressive knocks from Ishan Kishan (80) and Aniket Verma (43).
In response, RCB displayed a batting masterclass, chasing down 203/4 in just 15.4 overs, making it the fastest successful 200+ run chase in IPL history.
This achievement surpasses the previous record held by Rajasthan Royals, who chased a 200+ target in 15.5 overs in 2025.
Fastest 200+ Run Chases in IPL History
- 15.4 overs — RCB vs SRH, Bengaluru (2026)
- 15.5 overs — Rajasthan Royals vs Gujarat Titans (2025)
- 16.0 overs — RCB vs Gujarat Titans (2024)
- 16.3 overs — Mumbai Indians vs RCB (2023)
- 17.3 overs — Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Lions (2017)
Kohli Leads from the Front
Star batter Virat Kohli once again proved why he is regarded as one of the best chasers in the game.
Kohli played an unbeaten knock of 69 off 38 balls, striking at over 181, including 5 fours and 5 sixes, guiding his team comfortably to victory.
With this innings, Kohli also became the first player in IPL history to score over 4,000 runs while chasing, taking his tally to 4,027 runs — the highest in the tournament.
Padikkal’s Explosive Support
Kohli was well supported by Devdutt Padikkal, who delivered a blistering innings of 61 off just 26 balls, at a strike rate of 234.
Padikkal smashed 7 fours and 4 sixes, and along with Kohli, stitched a crucial 101-run partnership for the second wicket, effectively taking the game away from SRH.
Historic Start for RCB
This win also marks RCB’s third successful 200+ chase in IPL history and their second-highest successful chase against SRH.
Notably, this is the second consecutive IPL season opener where Kohli has scored an unbeaten half-century, underlining his consistency at the top level.
