RCB Secure Top 2 Finish Despite SRH’s 255-Run Carnage Led by Klaasen and Kishan
Sunrisers Hyderabad posted a massive 255/4 to defeat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by 55 runs in Hyderabad. Heinrich Klaasen and Ishan Kishan starred with explosive half-centuries, while RCB still managed to seal a top-two finish and book their place in Qualifier 1.
May 23, 2026: Sunrisers Hyderabad signed off from the IPL 2026 league stage in dominant fashion with a massive 55-run victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Hyderabad. Powered by explosive half-centuries from Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen, SRH once again showcased their fearless batting approach and piled up a huge total on the board. While Hyderabad finished their campaign with momentum, RCB still managed to hold on to the top spot in the IPL 2026 standings despite the defeat.
Sunrisers Hyderabad once again displayed their explosive batting strength by posting a massive total of 255/4 on Friday night. Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma gave the home side a flying start with fearless strokeplay from the very beginning. Head smashed 26 runs off 16 deliveries before Rasikh Salam provided the breakthrough, while Abhishek continued his aggressive approach and hammered 56 off just 22 balls, including four boundaries and five sixes. SRH raced to 97 runs in less than nine overs and completely dominated the powerplay phase with their attacking intent.
Didn’t ace the last test, still topped the class! 🙌
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 22, 2026
On to the next one on Tuesday. 👊 pic.twitter.com/L2hHrU9QZ4
Ishan Kishan And Heinrich Klaasen Take Complete Control
After the fiery start from the openers, Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen carried the momentum forward with another outstanding partnership. Kishan looked in complete control throughout his innings and played a brilliant knock of 79 runs off 46 deliveries, mixing timing with power hitting. Klaasen, on the other hand, once again showed why he remains one of the most dangerous batters in T20 cricket.
The South African batter launched a brutal attack in the death overs and smashed 51 runs off only 24 balls, including five massive sixes. His aggressive batting completely disrupted RCB’s bowling plans, especially during the over against Josh Hazlewood, where SRH collected 27 runs. Along with Kishan, Klaasen ensured Hyderabad finished strongly as the team added 66 runs in the final five overs of the innings.
Nitish Kumar Reddy also made an important contribution with an unbeaten 29 off just 12 deliveries. RCB’s bowlers struggled throughout the innings and failed to contain the relentless attacking approach from the SRH batters, leaving Bengaluru with a daunting target of 256 runs.
A league stage worth remembering. ❤️
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 22, 2026
Now for the business end. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/twAGG2SLXC
RCB entered the match having already secured a playoff berth for IPL 2026. However, Rajat Patidar and his side still needed to confirm a top-two finish to gain an extra opportunity to reach the final. The equation was simple for Bengaluru — they needed to score more than 166 runs during the chase to secure their top-two position officially.
Despite the massive target, RCB approached the chase positively and comfortably crossed the required qualification mark. Their batters kept the scoreboard moving steadily and ensured there was never any serious doubt regarding their place in the top two. Although Bengaluru eventually fell short in the chase, they successfully achieved their primary objective from the match.
The result means RCB will now take on Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1 at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium on May 26. The winner of the clash will advance directly to the IPL 2026 final, while the losing side will still have another opportunity to qualify through Qualifier 2.