Digvesh Rathi Shines as Royal Challengers Bengaluru Suffer First 'Chasing' Defeat at Ekana

May 08, 2026: Lucknow Super Giants secured a thrilling nine-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a rain-affected IPL 2026 clash at the Ekana Stadium. The win kept LSG’s playoff hopes alive, while RCB missed a valuable opportunity to climb to the top of the points table. It also marked Bengaluru’s first defeat while chasing in the ongoing season.

Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was the standout performer with the bat for Lucknow Super Giants. The explosive opener played a sensational innings of 111 runs off just 56 balls, dominating the RCB bowling attack from the very beginning. Marsh combined aggressive strokeplay with smart placement, smashing nine fours and nine sixes during his match-winning knock.

Opening alongside Arshin Kulkarni, Marsh helped LSG get off to a strong start. Although Kulkarni managed only 17 runs, the duo added an important 95-run partnership for the first wicket. Marsh later stitched together another crucial 70-run stand with Nicholas Pooran, who made a quickfire 38 runs to maintain the momentum.

Rishabh Pant provides a late flourish for LSG

LSG captain Rishabh Pant added the finishing touches with a blistering unbeaten 32 off just 10 deliveries. His late cameo powered Lucknow Super Giants to an imposing total of 209/3 in their allotted overs despite multiple rain interruptions during the match.

The interruptions later revised RCB’s chase under the DLS method, setting them a target of 213 runs in 19 overs. Despite the pressure, the Bengaluru side remained competitive throughout the chase.

After an early setback with Virat Kohli being dismissed for a duck by Prince Yadav, RCB recovered through an impressive partnership between skipper Rajat Patidar and Devdutt Padikkal. Patidar led the fightback with a fluent 61 off 31 balls, while Padikkal played aggressively to keep RCB in the contest.

https://t.co/0ceVpaiFBH pic.twitter.com/Rfnq8cuGFQ

— Lucknow Super Giants (@LucknowIPL) May 7, 2026

Digvesh Rathi shines in tense final over

As the match headed into the final over, RCB still had hopes of pulling off a dramatic victory, especially after a quick cameo from Tim David. Bengaluru required 20 runs from the last six balls, but young spinner Digvesh Rathi held his nerve brilliantly under pressure.

Rathi delivered an excellent final over, denying RCB any chance of a late comeback and sealing an important victory for Lucknow Super Giants. LSG players celebrated wildly after the thrilling win, which not only ended their losing streak but also gave them two crucial points in the race for the playoffs.

LSG’s bowling attack also played a major role in the victory, with Prince Yadav emerging as the standout bowler after registering impressive figures of 3/33. Shahbaz Ahmed contributed with 2/33 in the middle overs, while Krunal Pandya and Josh Hazlewood picked up one wicket each.

RCB eventually finished at 203/6, falling short by nine runs under the DLS method. While the defeat ended Bengaluru’s unbeaten chasing streak in IPL 2026, the victory provided a major confidence boost for Lucknow Super Giants as they look to revive their campaign in the final phase of the tournament.