HIGHLIGHTS Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Kolkata Knight Riders IPL 2026 Match 57 - Result, Scorecard

Welcome back for the second essay. Ajinkya Rahane leads his troops out onto the park. Out walk Virat Kohli and Jacob Bethell to begin the chase for RCB. The Kolkata Knight Riders bring in Saurabh Dubey as their Impact Sub with Finn Allen being subbed out. The left-arm seamer is thrown straight into the cauldron right away. Bethell to face the first ball. Here we go!

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Will 192 be enough? As mentioned earlier, this is certainly a much better wicket to bat on as compared to the last game, but there should still be some movement around with the hard new ball. RCB have found comfort this season while chasing, with 5 out of their 7 wins having come while tracking down totals. So, will this turn out to be their sixth win while chasing? Or will KKR produce yet another inspired bowling performance and make it five wins on the bounce? Stick around to find out.

The tale of the middle overs - It was through the middle phase that the batting side really took control, with Angkrish Raghuvanshi leading the charge. Cameron Green looked good but could not quite convert his start into something substantial. Raghuvanshi made sure he carried on and brought up the highest score of his IPL career of 71*. Rinku Singh played his part as well with a cameo, but KKR just could not quite get the final flourish needed to breach the 200-run mark.

Even-stevens early on - After the way the surface behaved in the previous game here between RCB and MI, and with the rain before tonight’s clash adding further uncertainty, there was plenty of curiosity around how this wicket would play. With the match being played on a different strip tonight, it has certainly behaved much better, with the uneven bounce not nearly as prominent as it was in that earlier game. While RCB managed to prise out both KKR openers, the Knight Riders scored 56 runs in what was a fairly even powerplay.

KKR kept under 200 - Good death bowling from RCB has helped them keep the Knight Riders to 192. Not quite the finish KKR would have had in mind after setting themselves up beautifully through the middle overs, but it is still a competitive total on the board. Whether it proves to be enough, only time will tell.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rinku Singh, OUT! RAGHUVANSHI IS RUN OUT! Superb final over from Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Just 10 runs from it and KKR finish at 192/4. Excellent low, dipping full toss by Bhuvneshwar, on the stumps. Rinku cannot get properly under it and drills it off the toe end through mid on. The call is for two and they hustle back for the brace but Devdutt Padikkal is quick to rush in off the ropes. He picks the ball and fires a precise on-the-bounce throw to the bowler. Angkrish Raghuvanshi is forced to dive to slide his bat in, but Bhuvneshwar Kumar collects the ball beside the stumps and whips the bails off in a flash. The on-field umpires want to have a look at it, and the replay confirms that Raghuvanshi is found fairly short.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Aims the stumps and serves a full toss, Angkrish Raghuvanshi moves across a bit in the crease and runs it down to long on for a run.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rinku Singh, Fuller one, on middle. Rinku gets low and heaves it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rinku Singh, Oh, doesn't take a single! Surprising! Low full toss, on off, Rinku heaves it off the inner half of the bat to deep mid-wicket but refuses the single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rinku Singh, SIX! He has picked the bones out of it! Bhuvi misses his yorker by a few inches and serves a friendly half volley, on the leg stump. Rinku Singh finds the ball into the slot, clears the front leg and smokes it deep into the stands behind deep mid-wicket.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Top start! Yorker at 134.3 kph, on off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi can only shovle it out to the right of the backward point fielder for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar (3-0-24-1) to bowl the final over. Can he keep KKR under 190 here?

Josh Hazlewood to Rinku Singh, At 141.4 kph, this is a full toss on the pads. Rinku Singh flicks it to the right of deep backward square leg. Krunal Pandya comes charging across to his right and mops it up in the deep. The batters hare back for the second run comfortably. So 10 from the penultimate over.

Josh Hazlewood to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Extra bounce from a shorter length, outside off. Angkrish Raghuvanshi arches back, trying to guide it to the off side, but it runs off the bottom end to the left of short third for a run.

Josh Hazlewood to Rinku Singh, Knee-high full toss again, Rinku heaves it off the toe end to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Rinku Singh, Full toss, around off. Rinku Singh slices it to deep point. The ball lands and turns away from Jacob Bethell, who makes a late adjustment by diving to his left and saves two for his team.

Josh Hazlewood to Rinku Singh, FOUR! Whipped away! A bit too full, on leg, Rinku Singh uses his wrists and whips it behind square on the leg side for a boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to Rinku Singh, Oh, goodness! That flirted past the leg pole. Rinku shows his cards early by backing away outside leg. Seeing that, Josh Hazlewood fires in a full toss, outside leg. Rinku slashes hard at it, but only gets an edge past the leg stump and the ball rolls back to the keeper.

Rasikh Salam to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Nails the yorker, keeps the stumps on attack, does Rasikh. Angkrish Raghuvanshi jams it out on the pitch. Rasikh is done with his spell, with figures 4-0-35-1.

Rasikh Salam to Rinku Singh, Low full toss, on middle, slanting in. Rinku slices it away to deep cover for a run.

Rasikh Salam to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Nice yorker, on middle. Angkrish Raghuvanshi carves it down to the right of long off. Kohli moves across and stops it. The batters cross for a single.

Rasikh Salam to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Missed out! Angkrish is gutted with himself for not getting any bat on it. Too full, around off. Angkrish Raghuvanshi switches his stance to play the reverse scoop, but misses.

Rasikh Salam to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, FOUR! PUNISHED! Slower delivery, on a good length, outside off. Angkrish Raghuvanshi waits on it, clears the front leg and clobbers it down the ground for a cracking boundary.

Rasikh Salam to Rinku Singh, Around the stump, speared full on leg, Rinku flicks it along the ground to deep mid-wicket for a run. This brings up the 50-run partnership between Rinku and Angkrish.

Will Josh Hazlewood bowl out now? No, Rajat Patidar is saving his final over. Here is Rasikh Salam to bowl now. 3-0-28-1 for him so far.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rinku Singh, Low full toss, on off, Rinku shuffles across in the crease, and whips it across to deep mid-wicket for a run. 12 runs from this over. 3-0-24-1 so far for Bhuvi.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rinku Singh, Proactive running once more! Brilliant cricket from Rinku and Angkrish. Into the blockhole, on leg, Rinku dinks it with soft hands through mid on and they scamper back for the second run.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rinku Singh, And again! Excellent piece of running between the wickets. Back of a length, following the batter, as Rinku shuffles outside leg. Rinku adjusts and tucks it behind square on the leg side for a couple of runs.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rinku Singh, The call is for two, and they will get it! Too full, on leg, flicked off the pads into the deep mid-wicket region. Tim David runs in off the ropes, and by the time he throws it to the bowler, the batters hustle back for the second run.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Rinku Singh, FOUR! That's cunningly played by Rinku! Off-pace delivery, short and outside off. Rinku Singh picks the off cutter, stands tall and ramps it over the short third fielder for a boundary.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Full, on middle, Angkrish Raghuvanshi uses his bottom hand to chip it straight over the bowler's head. Virat Kohli runs across to his left from long on and cuts it off. One taken.

STRATEGIC BREAK! The platform is nicely set for the Kolkata Knight Riders, who still have Rovman Powell to come. Ideally, KKR will be looking to push past the 200-run mark from here. That said, RCB still have a couple of overs of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, and with one each from Josh Hazlewood and Rasikh Salam left, it won't be easy for the batting side. A crucial final phase of the KKR innings is coming up. Bhuvneshwar to bowl after the break.

Josh Hazlewood to Rinku Singh, SIX! That spoils the over! Josh Hazlewood hits the deck hard and around middle. Rinku Singh steps across to get inside the line of it and hooks it over the fine leg fence for a biggie. 12 runs off the over.

Josh Hazlewood to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Hard length and around off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi opens the bat face and guides it to deep third for one.

Josh Hazlewood to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, FOUR! Gets it away! This is short again and well outside off. Angkrish Raghuvanshi uses the width on offer and slashes hard at it. He ends up slicing it away past backward point for a boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to Rinku Singh, Short of a length and around leg, Rinku Singh makes room and punches it through extra covers for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Rinku Singh, Bangs in a sharp bouncer, on off, angles away, Rinku Singh sways away and tries the upper cut but misses. Jitesh Sharma grabs it behind the stumps and appeals gently, but nothing doing. However, Rajat Patidar goes for the review here. UltraEdge shows a flat line when the ball passes the bat. RCB lose a review.

Josh Hazlewood to Rinku Singh, Josh Hazlewood sees the batter back away, changes his line outside leg stump, lands this back of a length. Rinku Singh is a long way outside leg, tries to cut it away but gets cramped up and misses.

Josh Hazlewood (2-0-13-1) returns for his 3rd over.

Krunal Pandya to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Slows it up, full and on off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi goes inside out again and drills it hard but finds extra cover this time.

Krunal Pandya to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, SIX! Up, up and away! Tossed up, full and around off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi backs away to go inside out, extends his arms and carves it beautifully over deep extra cover for a biggie.

Krunal Pandya to Rinku Singh, Quicker, full and on leg, Rinku Singh clips it to deep mid-wicket for another run.

Krunal Pandya to Rinku Singh, Flatter, full and on off, Rinku Singh looks to push it away but gets an inside edge towards the vacant mid-wicket region. Krunal Pandya himself runs after the ball but cannot save the second.

Krunal Pandya to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Flighted, full and on off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi drives it to long off for a single.

Krunal Pandya to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Floated, short and on off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi backs away and punches it to extra cover.

RCB have decided to use their Impact Sub option by bringing in Devdutt Padikkal, while Jacob Duffy, who had a pretty ordinary night bowling-wise, is subbed out. Here's Krunal Pandya (3-0-29-0) again and he will complete his spell. He replaces Rasikh Salam.

Jacob Duffy is substituted by Devdutt Padikkal

Jacob Duffy to Rinku Singh, FOUR! Rinku Singh gets going now! Much fuller delivery and outside off. Rinku crouches a bit low, gets his hands through the shot and smacks it through extra covers for four more runs.

Jacob Duffy to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, FIFTY FOR RAGHUVANSHI! Off 32 balls. His fourth fifty of the season and he has stepped up once again for KKR. Slower one, full and on middle, Angkrish Raghuvanshi jams it out to long on for one.

Jacob Duffy to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, FOUR! Excellent shot! Short of a length and on middle, Angkrish Raghuvanshi picks up the length early and gets on top of the bounce. He plays the short-arm jab to perfection, wide of deep mid-wicket for a boundary.

Jacob Duffy to Rinku Singh, Hard length and on middle, Rinku Singh drags it off the inside half of the bat towards deep mid-wicket for a single.

Jacob Duffy to Rinku Singh, Big swing and a miss! Back of a length and around off, angling away, Rinku Singh charges down the track, stays leg side of the ball and has a big heave across the line but gets nowhere near it.

Jacob Duffy to Rinku Singh, Good length and on middle and off, Rinku Singh steps across and taps it in front of short cover. Angkrish Raghuvanshi wants the run but is sent back.

Jacob Duffy (3-0-38-0) will bowl out. He replaces Krunal Pandya.

Rasikh Salam to Rinku Singh, Back of a legnth and around off, Rinku Singh runs it down to third man for one. 10 runs and a wicket off the over!

Rasikh Salam to Rinku Singh, On a length and on middle, Rinku Singh tucks it with soft hands through mid-wicket and comes around for the second run. Good running!

Rasikh Salam to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, A loopy slower one, full and on off, dips in, Angkrish Raghuvanshi waits for it and jams it to long on for a run.

Rasikh Salam to Rinku Singh, Fuller and on middle, Rinku Singh steps across and drills it to long on for a single.

Rasikh breaks the 68-run stand for the third wicket. Green, yet again, couldn't capitalise on his start. But looked solid through his stay. In walks Rinku Singh at number 5.

Rasikh Salam to Cameron Green, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Rasikh Salam gets the crucial breakthrough on his return to the attack. He lands this on a good length and on middle, at 135.5 kph, gets it to nip back in a bit as well. Cameron Green has a big hoick across the line but the length is not that short and the ball goes through to hit the top of middle stump. Nice little cameo from Green comes to an end, and KKR are 116/3 now.

This partnership is budding steadily for KKR now. Any score between 180 and 190 would be a good one on this two-paced wicket.

Rasikh Salam to Cameron Green, WIDE! Slower one, full but way outside off, Cameron Green leaves it alone. Wided.

Rasikh Salam to Cameron Green, FOUR! Easy pickings! Rasikh Salam attempts the yorker but ends up serving a low full toss, on the pads. Cameron Green crouches low and helps it on its way to the deep fine leg fence for a boundary.

Krunal Pandya to Cameron Green, Dragged down by Pandya, on off. Green frees his arms and spanks it down the ground. Tim David collects it on the bounce. Just a single.

Krunal Pandya to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, A bit slower, on a good length, on the pads. Raghuvanshi clips it through square leg. They think about the second run but Jacob Bethell swoops in and keeps the batters to a single.

Krunal Pandya to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Wide! Down leg, on a nagging length. Angkrish Raghuvanshi misses out on the paddle.

Krunal Pandya to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Around off, on the shorter side. That is cut away but straight to the fielder at point.

Krunal Pandya to Cameron Green, Bowled with a round-arm action and at 99.7 kph, on a nagging length. Cameron smears it to deep mid-wicket and crosses over.

Krunal Pandya to Cameron Green, FOUR! Untidy by Tim David. Flat and short, on middle. Green thumps it down the ground towards long on. David drops to his knee, but the ball seems to have picked up pace and a bit of bad bounce results in the ball catching him on the wrist before deflecting away for a boundary.

Krunal Pandya to Cameron Green, SIX! High and handsome! Fractionally short by Krunal, on middle. Green hangs deep in the crease and is quick to pick up the length. He gets the front leg out of the way and pummels it over mid-wicket for half a dozen. 100 UP FOR KKR. Also, the 50-run partnership comes up between this pair.

KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar, on being asked about Chakaravarthy's participation ahead, reveals on air that Varun Chakaravarthy has been dealing with a hairline fracture in his toe, which is affecting his foot landing. Nayar, however, remains hopeful that Chakaravarthy will be available for the next game if he recovers in time.

Rasikh Salam to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Slower, short ball, on off. Angkrish steers it straight to the man at short third with an open bat face.

Rasikh Salam to Cameron Green, Fuller and on middle. Green has a hoick across the line. He is early into the shot and miscues it through square leg for another single.

Rasikh Salam to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, On a good length, on middle. Angkrish goes back in the crease and flicks it away through mid wicket for a single.

Rasikh Salam to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, FOUR! Two in two for Raghuvanshi. At pace now, on a short of a length, on top off. Raghuvanshi stands tall on top of the bounce and stays leg side to punch it away. Beats the diving backward point fielder to his right for four more.

Rasikh Salam to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, FOUR! Smart batting! Rasikh bowls the off-cutter, on a shortish length, over middle. Raghuvanshi arches back and gets his hands high to play the upper cut. Gets it more towards short fine leg but clears the man and picks up a boundary.

Rasikh Salam to Cameron Green, Into the strip, angled in, on middle and leg. Green steps out to heave it away. Gets it off the inner half behind square leg for a single.

Halfway into the first innings. KKR are going at 8.6 and will look to accelerate now as they have truckloads of firepower to come next. Rasikh Salam (1-0-7-0) is back on, replacing Jacob Duffy.

Krunal Pandya to Cameron Green, Another misfield from Kohli. Once is rare, but it has now happened twice. Pushed through, on a length, on middle. Cameron taps it to long off. Kohli runs in off the ropes but lets it through his legs, but the batters settle for a single only.

Krunal Pandya to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Not in control but safe! Bowled at 97.5 kph, into the surface, on top of off. Raghuvanshi presses on the back foot to whip it away. The ball stops and turns away a bit to catch the top edge. It drops safely in the mid on region. They cross.

Krunal Pandya to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, SIX! Well struck! Floated up by Krunal, full and a bit too straight, on the pads. Raghuvanshi gets down on a knee and plays the slog sweep behind square leg for a six.

Krunal Pandya to Cameron Green, Darted into the right-hander, Green makes room and clips this full ball to deep mid-wicket for one more.

Krunal Pandya to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Slower and shorter, outside off. A bit of grip in the surface. Raghuvanshi slaps it to deep cover for a single.

Krunal Pandya to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Full and speared in, on middle, knocked to cover.

STRATEGIC BREAK! It's been a nice contest between bat and ball so far. Pretty evenly poised right now, as bowling has been nearly precise, barring Duffy, who has been a touch expensive. Green and Raghuvanshi have formed a nice partnership and will look to consolidate in this middle phase. There's just enough for the bowlers on this pitch and it seemingly has slowed down already. RCB will look to exploit that in this phase by breaking this stand as quickly as possible. Krunal Pandya to continue. 1-0-5-0 so far.

Jacob Duffy to Cameron Green, A big swing and a miss! Duffy delivers it on a back of a length, outside off. Cameron has a big heave across the line and ends up losing his shape. The ball cuts back a bit off the deck to go past the inside edge.

Jacob Duffy to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Full and straight, attacking the front pad. Angkrish flicks it through mid-wicket and turns the strike over.

Jacob Duffy to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Pace off, on a good length, punched with sweet timing but straight to Kohli at backward point.

Jacob Duffy to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, FOUR! Threads it through! Bowled at 137.1 kph, on a length, angled in at the off stump. Raghuvanshi presses forward and meets the ball right under his eyes. Plays a punchy drive and beats the diving Rajat Patidar at mid off to his left for a boundary.

Jacob Duffy to Cameron Green, Drags the length back, around off. Green swings for the hills, looking to go down the ground. The ball goes off an inside edge to deep fine leg for one.

Jacob Duffy to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Nails the yorker, on the off stump. Angkrish Raghuvanshi digs it out to backward point. A fumble by Virat Kohli and the batters are quick to sneak in a single. Kohli bangs the ball into the turf in anger.

Jacob Duffy (2-0-31-0) returns into the attack, replacing Josh Hazlewood.

Krunal Pandya to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Another short delivery, on off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi forces it down to long off for one more. Just 5 runs off Pandya's first over!

Krunal Pandya to Cameron Green, Shorter once more, around off, Cameron Green stabs it towards extra cover where Rajat Patidar fumbles and allows a run.

Krunal Pandya to Cameron Green, There is that infamous bouncer from Krunal Pandya, on middle and leg, Cameron Green ducks under it. He has a chat with his partner to see whether to review for a wide, but decides against it.

Krunal Pandya to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Dragged down, on middle, Angkrish Raghuvanshi stays back and nudges it through mid-wicket for another run.

Krunal Pandya to Cameron Green, Short again and on middle and leg, Cameron Green flicks it off the back foot to deep square leg for a run.

Krunal Pandya to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Floated, short and around off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi punches it to wide long off for a single.

First look at spin tonight as Krunal Pandya comes on.

Josh Hazlewood to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Back of a length and angling into the leg side, Angkrish Raghuvanshi fails to glance it away as the ball goes off his thigh pad towards square leg. A leg bye taken.

Josh Hazlewood to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Short of a length and on off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi dabs it down towards point.

Josh Hazlewood to Cameron Green, On a length and on middle, Cameron Green tucks it with soft hands towards mid-wicket and calls for two, but Jacob Bethell is quick to get to the ball from the deep and keeps it to one.

Josh Hazlewood to Cameron Green, EDGED AND FOUR! Josh Hazlewood lands this on a good length and in the channel outside off, the ball holds its line. Cameron Green stays back to play at it but gets undone by the extra bounce. It flies off the outside edge and through the vacant first slip region for a boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Full again and on middle, angling in, Angkrish Raghuvanshi tucks it in front of short mid-wicket, but the fielder cannot stop it with a dive to his left. It rolls towards long on and the batters get the run.

Josh Hazlewood to Cameron Green, Fuller and on off, Cameron Green knocks it towards mid off and scampers across for the single.

Done with the Powerplay. Fair to say it is pretty even-stevens after the first six overs. Josh Hazlewood to continue.

Rasikh Salam to Cameron Green, Takes pace off, follows the batter into the leg side, on a length as well. Cameron Green backs away but can only steer it towards backward point for one. Kolkata Knight Riders are 56/2 at the end of the Powerplay.

Rasikh Salam to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Hard length and on off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi lets it come to him and dabs it down towards short third for one.

Rasikh Salam to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, FOUR! Nicely done! Short of a length and angling into the leg side. Angkrish Raghuvanshi rolls his wrists to get it behind square on the leg side, whipping it to the fence for a boundary.

Rasikh Salam to Cameron Green, On a length and around off, shaping away, Cameron Green pushes it through covers for a single. 50 UP FOR KKR!

Rasikh Salam to Cameron Green, Back of a length and on middle, Cameron Green gets behind the line of it and blocks it on the pitch.

Rasikh Salam to Cameron Green, Beauty! Rasikh Salam hits the good length and just around off, jags back in a long way. Cameron Green gets cut in half trying to play at it as the ball sneaks past the inside edge on its way to the keeper.

A double change as Rasikh Salam has been called into the attack.

Josh Hazlewood to Cameron Green, Hits the deck hard and on off, Cameron Green stays back and guides it through point for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Cameron Green, Hard length and on off, nips back in sharply, Cameron Green looks to fend it away but misses as the ball lobs up off his thigh towards the slip cordon.

KKR lose their skipper. Cameron Green comes out to bat.

Josh Hazlewood to Ajinkya Rahane, OUT! CAUGHT AND BOWLED! Once again, we see a wicket fall after a boundary. Josh Hazlewood bends his back and bowls a well-directed bumper, on middle, takes off sharply off the deck. Ajinkya Rahane looks to pull it away but the ball gets big on him and he loses his bottom hand as well. It takes the top edge and goes high in the air. Hazlewood himself calls for it, moves to his right to settle under it and takes a fine catch. KKR lose both openers now.

Josh Hazlewood to Ajinkya Rahane, FOUR! Cheeky and effective! Good length and just around off, Ajinkya Rahane shuffles across quickly to get inside the line of it. He scoops it off the inner half of the bat to the fine leg fence for a boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to Ajinkya Rahane, Josh Hazlewood bangs this into the pitch, outside off, shapes it away with extra bounce. Ajinkya Rahane lazily tries to upper cut it but fails to connect.

Josh Hazlewood to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Short of a length and on off, Angkrish Raghuvanshi waits for it before steering it wide of first slip. Rahane calls for the run but then stops. Seeing the fielder putting in a dive to his right to make the stop, the batters get the single.

First change in the bowling as Josh Hazlewood replaces Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

Jacob Duffy to Ajinkya Rahane, SIX! Sails just over! Touch short and on middle and leg. Sits up nicely for Rahane as he presses back and launches the ball aerially with a pull shot. It just clears the ropes in the deep mid-wicket region. The umpires confirm it through the smart replay. A very productive over for KKR. 17 runs from Duffy's second. His bowling figures read 2-0-31-0 so far.

Jacob Duffy to Ajinkya Rahane, FOUR! Pierces the gap so neatly! Not that short by Jacob, but he offers a fair bit of room with pace taken off. Ajinkya Rahane waits on it and opens the bat face, steering it to the right of the diving backward point fielder. He also beats Jacob Bethell in the deep to his left and gets a boundary.

Jacob Duffy to Ajinkya Rahane, Fuller, outside off, Rahane drills it straight to the mid off fielder.

Jacob Duffy to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Length ball, outside off, steered away to deep backward point for a single.

Jacob Duffy to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Yes and no between the batters, but the danger is averted! Duffy bashes the length hard and seeing the batter charge, he slants it on the leg stump to cramp Raghuvanshi for room. Angkrish plays over the line, is hit on the thigh pad and then the ball rolls away in front of point. Rahane is halfway, but after a bit of yes and no, both retreat to their original ends.

Jacob Duffy to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, SIX! LOVELY STRIKE! Short of a good length, on top of middle. Angkrish Raghuvanshi gets under it and hoists it massively over deep mid-wicket for an 83-meter six.

Jacob Duffy to continue...

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Good effort by David. He was running forever to save a run for his team. Back of a length, around the off pole. Angkrish Raghuvanshi gently punches it into the cover-point gap. The ball is hurtling towards the ropes, but Tim David from the inner ring sprints a long way and manages to flick the ball in before the ropes. Three taken.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Oh, nearly dragged on! A skiddy delivery, angled into the batter. Angkrish Raghuvanshi is cramped for room and tries to punch it across to the leg side, but inside edges on the back thigh and the ball then rolls past the leg stump.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Fractionally fuller, outside off. Angkrish Raghuvanshi walks forward to negate the movement, but opts to leave it in the end. Good carry to the keeper on this one.

Wicket number 22 of the season for Bhuvneshwar Kumar. He goes clear of Kagiso Rabada (21 wickets) in the race for the Purple Cap. Angkrish Raghuvanshi walks in at number 3.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Finn Allen, OUT! CAUGHT BEHIND! Superb response from Bhuvi and he has another Powerplay wicket. Scrambled seam, slightly around off and with a little bit of nip away from the batter. Finn Allen is pinned in the crease and tries to punch it away on the off side, but he is squared up and only manages a faint outside edge to the keeper. Jitesh Sharma makes no mistake. KKR are 23/1 in 2.3 overs.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Finn Allen, FOUR! Picture-perfect! Length-delivery, outside off, Finn Allen uses the width on offer. Stays leg side, gets his hands through the shot in full flow and punches it into the mid off and cover gap for a boundary. Allen moves to 18 (7).

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, On a back of a length, angled at the pads. Ajinkya Rahane gets inside the line and whips it a bit uppishly, on the bounce and to the left of deep square leg for a single.

A good finish to the over from Jacob Duffy, but Finn Allen won the opening round of that all-Kiwi battle.

Jacob Duffy to Finn Allen, Much better to close out the over! Lands it on a length, on middle and it straightens off the deck. Finn alertly blocks it down the pitch off the back foot. 14 runs off the over.

Jacob Duffy to Finn Allen, FOUR! Muscled! Hard length, around middle and off, angling into the batter. Allen stands tall, uses his wrists and pulls it into the deep mid-wicket and deep square leg gap for a cracking boundary. Allen on the charge.

Jacob Duffy to Finn Allen, SIX! Goes all the way! Slightly fuller than the previous ball, shaping away marginally, outside off. Finn gets on the front foot and crunches it over the long off fence for a biggie. The first of the game.

Jacob Duffy to Finn Allen, FOUR! High quality! Back of a length, around off. Allen holds the shape as he rises up on the toes and punches it to the left of the diving Rajat Patidar at wide mid off to pick up his first boundary.

Jacob Duffy to Finn Allen, This one jags in a touch, at 137.1 kph, on middle and leg. Finn Allen tries to pull it but the ball stays a fraction low and he ends up inside edging it on the thigh pad.

Jacob Duffy to Finn Allen, Oh, finds some swing! Pitched on a good length, outside off, shaping away. Finn Allen loosely pokes at it, with his feet going absolutely nowhere and is comprehensively beaten on the outside edge.

A testing first over from Bhuvi. Not Josh Hazlewood, ​​​​​​but Jacob Duffy will operate from the other end.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, FOUR! CREAMED AWAY! Goes fuller again, and just outside the off stump. Ajinkya Rahane commits on the front foot, middles it nicely and drives it all along the ground, through the cover and mid off gap. Rajat Patidar sprints after it from mid off, but the ball wins the race. So 4 runs off the opening over.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, Perfect line and length so far from Bhuvi! Around off, on a slightly fuller length. Ajinkya Rahane chops it onto the pitch.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, BEATEN! The knuckleball that wobbles away, full and outside off. Ajinkya Rahane is sucked into the front foot drive, but is well beaten on the outside edge.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, A slight appeal for LBW, but not given. Bowls it a smidge fuller, attacking the stumps. Ajinkya Rahane walks forward and tries to knock it straight, but the ball nips back to catch the batter on the back thigh.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, Full again, on middle and off, Ajinkya Rahane presses in front and drives it crisply, straight back to the bowler. Bhuvneshwar Kumar bends low and half-stops on his follow-through.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ajinkya Rahane, On target, straightaway! Straightish line, on middle with not much lateral movement. Ajinkya Rahane watchfully blocks it off the front foot.

The wait is finally over, and it is time to get the show on the road. Rajat Patidar and his men take the field. They are followed by the two KKR openers, Ajinkya Rahane and Finn Allen, with Allen coming off a stunning century in the last game against DC. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will kick things off with the new ball for RCB. Rahane will take strike. A slip in place. Let's go...

Duffy confirmed for tonight - Rajat Patidar actually forgot to mention at the toss that Jacob Duffy is featuring tonight for RCB. With Bengaluru bowling first, Devdutt Padikkal starts on the bench and is expected to slot in at number three later when it is RCB's turn to chase.

Impact sub options for KKR - Ramandeep Singh, Tejasvi Singh, Navdeep Saini, Saurabh Dubey and Tim Seifert.

Kolkata Knight Riders (Playing XI) - Finn Allen, Ajinkya Rahane (C), Cameron Green, Angkrish Raghuvanshi (WK), Rovman Powell, Manish Pandey, Rinku Singh, Sunil Narine, Anukul Roy, Vaibhav Arora and Kartik Tyagi.

Impact sub options for RCB - Devdutt Padikkal, Jordan Cox, Mangesh Yadav, Swapnil Singh and Romario Shepherd.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli, Jacob Bethell, Rajat Patidar (C), Jitesh Sharma (WK), Tim David, Venkatesh Iyer, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Duffy (In for Romario Shepherd) and Rasikh Salam.

The skipper of the Kolkata Knight Riders - Ajinkya Rahane says that they would have bowled first as well. Adds that the last four games have been really good for them, as a team, they are starting to do things right. Mentions that sometimes the game makes you to keep things simple, and they are taking one game at a time. Rahane shares that they are winning the small moments, which has been key and their bowling unit is also doing really well. Informs that Varun Chakaravarthy misses out due to a niggle, and Saurabh Dubey replaces him.

The captain of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru - Rajat Patidar says it's a similar wicket from the last game and expects it to behave in the same way. Observes that it is a bit hard and stresses that they will try to keep the opposition under pressure while chasing. Reckons that there will be some variable bounce as well. On the last game, he calls it a tight match but a good one for RCB. Says the way they played has given everyone in the group a lot of confidence. On the race to the playoffs, he says every game is important but stresses that they are not looking at the points table, with the focus purely on playing good cricket. About the team combination, Rajat informs that Venkatesh Iyer comes in for Romario Shepherd.

TOSS - We are all set for the coin to go up in Raipur. The two captains exchange pleasantries before posing for the cameras. The flip of the coin lands in favour of Rajat Patidar. Royal Challengers Bengaluru opt to BOWL first.

Just in - The live visuals confirm that Saurabh Dubey has received his cap and is all set to make his debut for KKR tonight. It also confirms that Varun Chakaravarthy misses out on this game, with the spinner seen limping on the sidelines, though he was still there sharing a few words of encouragement with the debutant ahead of the big moment.

Possible team changes - Aakash Chopra mentions on air that he has not spotted Varun Chakaravarthy tonight, with the KKR spinner dealing with a foot issue over the last few days. Chopra further adds that Saurabh Dubey has marked his run-up during the warm-ups, and the left-arm pacer from Vidarbha is likely to feature tonight for KKR. From the RCB camp, Jacob Duffy has been seen marking his run-up. It could potentially be a straight swap for Josh Hazlewood, although there also remains a possibility of both Duffy and Hazlewood featuring together, which could mean someone like Romario Shepherd misses out.

7.56 pm IST (2.26 pm GMT) - The two on-field umpires have made their way out to inspect conditions before time. Both umpires have relayed their observations to the two camps, and the players have immediately sprung into action. Virat Kohli is already out in the middle to have a hit, and that has certainly brought the crowd to life in Raipur. The toss is set to take place at 8.30 pm IST (3 pm GMT), and the first ball will be bowled at 8.45 pm IST (3.15 pm GMT). More importantly, there is no reduction in overs.

7.30 pm IST (2 pm GMT) - It's been a while that the rain has stopped, but live visuals show that the covers are still not fully peeled off. There seems to be a lot of water accumulated on top, and the ground staff are being careful to ensure none of it seeps through. We still have a lot of time left before the next official inspection. The pitch, however, is not covered, and a few RCB players are out in the middle having a closer look at the conditions. RCB head coach Andy Flower and Mo Bobat are out there and we can also see Krunal Pandya walking near the pitch. The KKR players, meanwhile, are relaxed in their dugout.

7.06 pm IST (1.36 pm GMT) - Good news! The rain has stopped, and there's finally some movement out in the middle with the covers now being peeled off. The umpires are out for an inspection as well, having discussions with both camps while the groundstaff continue their quick work. The word from the middle is that the next inspection will take place at 8.15 pm IST (2.45 pm GMT).

7 pm IST (1.30 pm GMT) - If you are wondering why the toss hasn’t happened yet, rain has arrived in Raipur, accompanied by lightning flashes around the stadium. The entire ground is covered, and the toss has been delayed.

Let's hear from KKR's spin magician - Sunil Narine says that the body is feeling good. Adds that the IPL is a long tournament but you still get a decent amount of time to relax and refresh and get your mind off cricket. Narine mentions that all 12 guys have been trying to contribute in whatever way they can, and when you win 1 or 2 games, you try to go on a run and hope to continue the momentum. Admits that it will be a tough challenge to beat RCB with the way they are playing, and you need to start well with the bat as well as with the ball. Sunil shares that experience certainly helps you get insights, but it is tough to come in and bowl an over for 4-5 runs when the batters are trying to attack. It is more about reflecting on your game and doing what is best for you at that point in time. Ends by saying that he loves to watch games, he tries to see if the batters are in form or not and tries to plan accordingly.

RCB's hero from the last game - On carrying confidence from the previous match against MI, Bhuvneshwar Kumar says performing well in earlier games matters because it feeds directly into confidence, which helps to execute plans in a better way. He adds that the six he hit in the last over against MI was also significant, as it gives him the self-assurance to back himself in similar situations going forward. On staying fresh through a long IPL season, he says preparation before the season is crucial. Adds that once the tournament is underway, it comes down to how the body feels and how much practice is actually needed. He admits he has not done too many practice sessions since the tournament began, and that is one of the ways he has kept himself fresh. He also credits the physios and trainers for their role in recovery and his workload management. When asked whether instinct or analytics drives him as a bowler, Bhuvneshwar calls it a mix of both. Details that experience and instinct come first, but data adds another layer of preparation. He says he does not believe in following the numbers blindly, but mentions that they help him anticipate situations that may come up. On plans against Finn Allen, he underlines that Allen is a very destructive batter but says that the threat also creates opportunities. Says they know Allen likes to attack, and shares that the idea is to target him early.

PITCH REPORT - Nick Knight opens up by noting the hot and humid conditions with an odd thunderstorm having just swept through, leaving the ground staff to clean up. Points that the pitch used in the last game was a bit up and down. Aaron Finch describes it as a different wicket, one that has never been used in IPL or international cricket before. Pitch number 4, he says, but it has a strong resemblance to what they saw in the previous game. He points to the visible cracks and cross cracks as the source of unpredictable, up-and-down bounce. Backing it up with numbers, Finch notes that 14 of the 15 wickets in the previous game fell to the quicks, who had a field day compared to the rest of the tournament. The cross cracks, he explains, produce variable bounce, and bowlers can lock into a good hard length and exploit that. Knight asks him how batters should approach such a surface, taking him back to his playing days for perspective. Finch says the key is to lower risk in the first 10 to 12 balls without going into a shell. Stresses that solid footwork is essential, but going aerial is a risk given the inconsistent bounce. He sets 150 as the par target to aim for, with the hope of getting to 170. Knight wraps up by asking where bowlers should target, and Finch keeps it simple. Says hitting those good, hard length in and around off stump, and they will be right in the game.

Riding the momentum - Kolkata Knight Riders have pulled off the unthinkable, from zero wins in their first six games to four straight victories. The turnaround has been built on bowling. In their last four matches, KKR's bowlers have picked up 33 wickets at an average of just 8 per game, with Kartik Tyagi and Varun Chakaravarthy leading the way. Although Varun's availability is doubtful, it could be a big factor. Sunil Narine has been his usual miserly self with an economy of 6.5, the best among bowlers with 10 or more wickets this season. With the bat, Finn Allen has arrived. His first IPL century, 100* off 47 balls against Delhi, announced him as a genuine force, and his numbers while chasing are staggering, average 52.6, strike rate 226. RCB have been warned, but everything has to fall in place to keep the dream alive. There's a bit of weather around as well, but hopefully it doesn't affect the game much. Stay tuned for toss and other updates.

Bhuvi's purple patch - Royal Challengers Bengaluru have never looked more balanced. At the heart of their rise is Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who is having a season for the ages - 21 wickets already, the joint-most in IPL 2026, with an economy of just 7.5. He's been lethal in the Powerplay and at the death, and against KKR, his numbers are monstrous, 32 wickets, the second-most by any bowler against the Knight Riders. Then there's Krunal Pandya, who has found a new gear with the bat. His match-winning 73 off 46 balls against Mumbai was his third IPL fifty, and he's averaging 35.2 this season, his best since 2017. With Virat Kohli anchoring the top order and Rajat Patidar providing middle-over muscle, RCB have the firepower for a successful title defence.

A Royal challenge in Raipur - This isn't Raipur's first rodeo, but it might just be its most electric night yet. It's Match 57, and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru are taking on the Kolkata Knight Riders at a venue where RCB won a nail-biter against MI. RCB are sitting pretty on 14 points, a win here will all but seal a playoffs spot. KKR, meanwhile, are at No. 8, needing to win every single one of their remaining four games, a loss here won't mathematically eliminate them, but it will make the road a lot harder.

... MATCH DAY ...

Bring on Match 57 - The race to the playoffs tightens further as Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders collide in Match 57 of the Indian Premier League at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium in Raipur. For RCB, this is an opportunity to almost seal qualification for the playoffs and strengthen their push for a top-two finish. For KKR, it is about sustaining a remarkable late-season revival that has reignited their campaign after a disastrous start. RCB gunning for back-to-back titles - RCB arrive with momentum and belief restored after a tense last-ball victory over Mumbai Indians. That win not only halted a brief wobble in form but also pushed their playoff qualification probability close to 95 percent. Rajat Patidar’s side have looked more balanced this season than in previous years, with contributions spread across the batting and bowling departments rather than relying solely on individual brilliance. The defending champions have built their season around flexibility. Virat Kohli continues to anchor innings with control and tempo, while Phil Salt’s aggressive starts have often dictated the Powerplay narrative, but wth him being out injured, RCB's opening dynamic has taken a hit. Devdutt Padikkal has quietly pieced together an impressive season in the middle order, and the finishing department has gained depth through Tim David, Jitesh Sharma, and Krunal Pandya. Krunal, especially, comes into this contest carrying enormous confidence after his match-winning effort against MI despite battling cramps and visible exhaustion. Perhaps the biggest positive for RCB has been their bowling attack. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has rolled back the years with his new-ball control and death-over intelligence, emerging as one of the standout seamers of IPL 2026. Alongside him, Josh Hazlewood has delivered consistency, while Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya have given RCB a spin combination capable of slowing scoring rates through the middle overs. KKR in the ascendancy - KKR, meanwhile, are one of the most dangerous sides in the competition right now simply because they have rediscovered rhythm after spending most of the tournament chasing the pack. Four consecutive wins have dramatically altered their season trajectory. The turnaround has coincided with aggressive batting intent and sharper execution with the ball. The emergence of Finn Allen at the top has transformed KKR’s batting dynamics. His recent century against Delhi Capitals underlined how destructive he can be once he settles in. Around him, Ajinkya Rahane has brought calm leadership and stability, while Angkrish Raghuvanshi’s composure against spin has strengthened the top order. The middle order, though, remains KKR’s real X-factor. Rinku Singh remains their most dangerous finisher and arguably their emotional heartbeat in pressure situations. Alongside him, Cameron Green provides power and pace-hitting ability, while Sunil Narine’s floating role allows KKR tactical unpredictability. Key battles and playing conditions - The battle between RCB’s experienced pace attack and KKR’s middle-order hitters could define the contest. Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood thrive on disciplined hard lengths, but KKR’s batters have shown growing confidence against pace during their winning streak. Conversely, Varun Chakravarthy and Narine against Kohli and Salt in the middle overs shapes up as one of the most decisive tactical contests of the game. Raipur has generally produced balanced surfaces, as seen in the previous game as well. Early movement has assisted seamers, but chasing teams can enjoy greater success if the dew settles in. Recent numbers suggest that bowling first offers a notable advantage at the venue. Expect captains to prefer chasing unless the pitch appears unusually dry. Form (Last 5 completed matches, most recent first) - RCB - WLLWW | KKR - WWWWL. Predictions? Historically, KKR have enjoyed the upper hand in this rivalry, winning six of the last ten meetings. However, RCB look significantly more settled this season, especially with their bowling unit functioning cohesively. KKR’s recent surge ensures they enter with confidence rather than desperation, which should make this one of the most fascinating contests of the league stage. Who do you think will come out on top in this classic IPL rivalry?