HIGHLIGHTS Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2026 Match 67 - Result, Scorecard

We are back for the run chase, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru has a brand-new opening pair as Virat Kohli walks out to the middle alongside Venkatesh Iyer. Tasked with defending Sunrisers Hyderabad's total, captain Pat Cummins takes the new ball himself to bowl the crucial first over of the innings. Harshal Patel comes in as an impact substitute, replacing Salil Arora.

... The Run Chase ...

The battle for a top-two spot in the balance - Right then, it's advantage Sunrisers Hyderabad at the break, if we are looking in terms of which side has the better chance of winning the game. However, if we go by which team has a better chance of sealing a top-two finish, then Royal Challengers Bengaluru are still the favorites as SRH need to win by at least 90 runs, as mentioned by Murali Kartik on-air. They too have a batting lineup that is destructive and they will even back themselves to chase the whole thing down. That might provide an opening for SRH, and if they can pick up early wickets, who knows what will happen. Stay tuned, as the exciting run chase is up next.

Bengaluru wrestle momentum at the death - Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be slightly pleased as Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Rasikh Salam bowled a couple of fine overs at the death, allowing RCB to keep the score to under 260 runs, but overall, it was misery for the bowlers in the first half of the game. Rasikh Salam picked up a couple of wickets, including that of Travis Head in the Powerplay, but conceded 52 runs. Josh Hazlewood was off colour as he has been off late and even Bhuvi went for plenty of runs. Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma bowled decently, but Krunal did manage to get the big wicket of Heinrich Klaasen, and Romario Shepherd bowled a couple of very expensive overs, after pulling things back in his third.

Let's hear from SRH's middle-overs aggressor - Heinrich Klaasen says that he was 5 off 12 and was feeling a bit of pressure and he just thought of swinging then and either to get out of the other way around. Thankfully for him, it was the other way around. HK credits Ishan Kishan, as he has been batting really well for the side, and along with Ishan, he has formed a few partnerships in the middle order. Klaasen adds that he feels that the pitch will slow down a bit in the second inning and his side needs to get a few early because you never know what a safe score is in this form of the game.

SRH's big three come to the party again - This season, the trio of Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan and Heinrich Klaasen has been prolific for the Sunrisers, and again in this crunch encounter, all three of them scored in excess of 50 runs each, along with an unbeaten crucial cameo from Nitish Kumar Reddy, worth 29 off just 12 balls. Kishan was the most prolific, scoring 79 runs before getting out on the final ball of the innings, and the way they just kept accelerating in the middle phase was astounding. SRH went from 129/2 after 1 overs, to 238/3 after 18 overs, amassing 109 runs in that phase of just 6 overs. However, they managed only 16 runs in the final two overs.

Sunrisers give themselves an actual chance - At the beginning of the contest, we mentioned that SRH would need to win by a huge margin to have a shot of finishing in the crucial top-two spots, and they have batted as well as they can, scoring a mammoth 255 runs. That said, the wicket looks like a belter, and one would expect, even if RCB lose, the margin of defeat might not be as big as SRH would like.

Rasikh Salam to Ishan Kishan, OUT! CAUGHT! Yes, he can. An excellent final over and Rasikh Salam wraps it up with a wicket. Sunrisers Hyderabad finish on a massive 255/4. This is a low full toss, outside off again, Ishan Kishan once again tries to reach out for it but loses his balance and mistimes his lofted shot high up in the air. Devdutt Padikkal at long off moves forward, keeps his eyes on the ball and takes a good catch.

Rasikh Salam to Ishan Kishan, Fuller delivery, outside off, angling away, Ishan Kishan throws his bat it but loses his balance. He ends up chopping it onto the strip outside off, while falling over. Can Rasikh Salam finish well here?

Rasikh Salam to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Gets the yorker right this time, outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy jams it out towards extra cover for a run.

Rasikh Salam to Nitish Kumar Reddy, WIDE! And again! Tries the yorker but down the leg side, much closer to the pads but still a wide.

Rasikh Salam to Nitish Kumar Reddy, WIDE! Pitched up but way down the leg side, Nitish Kumar Reddy leaves it alone. Salam will have to reload that one.

Rasikh Salam to Nitish Kumar Reddy, FOUR! 250 UP FOR SRH! Fuller delivery, drifting down the leg side, Nitish Kumar Reddy is never going to miss out on that and glances it past short fine for a boundary.

Rasikh Salam to Ishan Kishan, Back of a length and outside off, Ishan Kishan reaches out but loses his bottom hand and swats it to long on for a run. Good last 8 balls for RCB.

Rasikh Salam to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Short of a length and on middle, takes all the pace off, Nitish Kumar Reddy looks to pull but gets it from the inner half of the bat to the leg side for a single.

Rasikh Salam is back in and will bowl the final over of the innings.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Kumar Reddy, In the blockhole, outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy jams it out towards long off for one. Just 8 runs off the over!

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Excellent bowling! Nails the yorker, on middle, tailing in, Nitish Kumar Reddy can only dig it back to the bowler.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, Pitched up and around leg, Ishan Kishan flicks it to deep mid-wicket for one.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Gets it away! Much fuller and on middle and leg, Ishan Kishan uses his feet and swings across the line but gets an inside edge that beats short fine to his left for a boundary.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Does not connect well! Low full toss, on of, Nitish Kumar Reddy looks to slog it away but gets an inside edge towards mid-wicket for a run.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, Fuller one and around off, Ishan Kishan miscues the reverse swipe towards backward point for a single.

Two overs left in the innings. Bhuvi and Rasikh to bowl one each? Seems like it, as Bhuvneshwar Kumar returns to the attack.

Josh Hazlewood to Nitish Kumar Reddy, SIX! Goes all the way! A low full toss, on middle and leg, Nitish Kumar Reddy goes down across to scoop it over fine leg, but the ball catches the top edge and flies over the third man fence for a biggie.

Josh Hazlewood to Ishan Kishan, Run out chance...missed! A good yorker, outside off, Ishan Kishan jams it out towards extra cover and sets off for the run. Rajat Patidar throws it on the bounce to the bowler's end, where Josh Hazlewood fails to collect it. Ishan already gave up but he gets another life.

Josh Hazlewood to Ishan Kishan, DROPPED! Bangs this into the pitch, on off, Ishan Kishan looks to heave it away but gets hurried and the ball hits him high on the bat. It lobs towards the bowler, where Josh sticks out his right hand but fails to hold on to it. A tough chance though.

Josh Hazlewood to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Streaky but they all count! Pitched up and around off, angles away, Ishan Kishan throws the kitchen sink at it. He loses his shape and the ball flies off the outside edge over short third for a boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to Nitish Kumar Reddy, A low full toss, on middle, tailing in late, Nitish Kumar Reddy swings at it but gets an inside edge onto his pads a the ball rolls to the leg side. They cross.

Josh Hazlewood to Ishan Kishan, Fuller delivery, on off, Ishan Kishan drills it down to long off for a single.

Krunal Pandya to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Dug into the surface, outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy looks to drag his pull from there but gets a top edge. It goes up in the air but lands well in front of deep mid-wicket. Two taken. 16 runs and a wicket off the over.

Krunal Pandya to Nitish Kumar Reddy, Another bumper from Pandya, outside off but inside the tramline, Nitish Kumar Reddy steps across but leaves it alone.

Krunal Pandya to Nitish Kumar Reddy, SIX MORE! Floated, full and outside off, the lower-arm trajectory again, but in the slot this time. Nitish Kumar Reddy gets right underneath it and tonks it over the bowler's head for another biggie.

Krunal Pandya to Nitish Kumar Reddy, WIDE! Goes for the bouncer but bowls this way outside off, Nitish Kumar Reddy leaves it alone. Jitesh Sharma does well to collect it moving to his right.

Krunal Pandya to Nitish Kumar Reddy, SIX! Nitish Kumar Reddy starts with a bang! Flatter, full and on middle, in the slot. Reddy clears his front leg away and smokes it over the deep mid-wicket fence for a biggie.

How big will the wicket of Klaasen be at this stage? Only time will tell. For now, Nitish Kumar Reddy walks out to the middle.

Krunal Pandya to Heinrich Klaasen, OUT! TAKEN! Fifty and out for Heinrich Klaasen. Krunal Pandya gets a massive wicket at an important time for RCB. He bowls this with the low-arm action, full and on middle, angling in. Klaasen stays back and looks to heave it away, but his bat turns in his hand. It flies off the inside half of the bat towards deep mid-wicket, where Venkatesh Iyer runs in, gets down on both knees and takes a good catch.

Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, Bangs this into the pitch, outside off, Ishan Kishan slaps it off balance on the bounce to sweeper cover for a single.

The bowling changes keep on coming as Krunal Pandya is brought back into the attack. He went for just 8 runs in his first over. Also, RCB have used their Impact Sub, bringing in Tim David for Suyash Sharma.

Suyash Sharma is substituted by Tim David

Rasikh Salam to Heinrich Klaasen, FIFTY FOR Heinrich Klaasen. Short again, around off, Heinrich Klaasen pulls this flat and into the surface as the ball rolls towards the right of the fielder at deep mid-wicket for a couple. Heinrich Klaasen continues his purple patch with yet another half-century.

Rasikh Salam to Heinrich Klaasen, Slower one, short and around off, Heinrich Klaasen fends this to the deep mid-wicket region for a couple.

Rasikh Salam to Ishan Kishan, Slower one, back of a length, around off, Ishan Kishan hammers this to long off for one.

Oh, what's happened here? Jitesh Sharma is on the ground, struggling with cramps, it seems. The physio is out on the field, tending to Jitesh. Hopefully, he is fine. All good now, and we are ready to play again.

Rasikh Salam to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Yet another boundary from the bat of Ishan Kishan. Full and around the pads, Ishan Kishan steps a long way across, goes down on a knee and sweeps this to the right of the backward square leg fielder for four more runs.

Rasikh Salam to Ishan Kishan, WIDE! Salam comes around the stumps and bowls it full and wide outside off, Ishan Kishan leaves it. Wided. 200 comes up for SRH in the 16th over.

Rasikh Salam to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! On a length, around middle and leg, Ishan Kishan goes down on a knee and sweeps this in the gap to the left of backward square leg for four runs.

Rasikh Salam to Ishan Kishan, SIX! The only currency these two are dealing in right now is boundaries and biggies. On a length, around off, Ishan Kishan gets right underneath the ball and slogs this powerfully over the fence towards the deep mid-wicket region for six runs.

Rasikh Salam comes back in to replace Suyash Sharma.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Heinrich Klaasen, SIX! It is turning out to be an exhibition of ball-striking by Heinrich Klaasen. Good length, wide of off, Heinrich Klaasen doesn't move his foot by an inch, HK just stays still and towards the leg side of the ball and lofts this over the fence towards wide long off for a biggie. 18 off the over, another big one for SRH.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Heinrich Klaasen, FOUR! This stroke shows the class of the batter and Heinrich Klaasen is as classy and ruthless as they come. Short and wide of off, Heinrich Klaasen steps across the stumps and drags this one with a pull just past the fielder at square leg for a boundary behind square on the leg side. Excellent maneuvering of the field by Heinrich Klaasen.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Heinrich Klaasen, Slower one, short and wide of off, Heinrich Klaasen gets up on his toes and lofts this behind Rajat Patidar at extra cover for a couple.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Heinrich Klaasen, Good length, around off, Heinrich Klaasen has a heave at it but misses out.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, FIFTY FOR ISHAN! Yorker, on middle and leg, Ishan Kishan flicks this towards the fielder at deep mid-wicket for a single. An excellent fifty which has kept the momentum going for SRH from Ishan Kishan. According to the on-air commentators, this is Kishan's fourth consecutive half-century against RCB.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, WIDE! Short and wide outside off Ishan Kishan leaves it. Wided.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Bhuvi is back into the attack and he has been greeted with a boundary. Full toss, around middle and leg, Ishan Kishan looks to slog this over the fence but his bat tilts in his hands at the time of contact with the ball. Ishan gets enough contact to race the ball to the fence in the gap between deep mid-wicket and deep square leg.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2-0-25-0) is back on.

Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, Tossed up, around off, Ishan Kishan stays leg side to the pitch of the ball this time around and hammers this down the ground to long off for a single.

Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, Flighted, well outside off, Ishan Kishan once again steps a long way cross the stumps and looks to target the shorter side towards his mid-wicket but ends up with an inside edge that rolls to square leg.

Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, SIX! This was a googly from Suyash Sharma, around off, Ishan Kishan steps across the steps, goes down on a knee and slog sweeps this over the fence towards the deep mid-wicket region for a biggie.

Suyash Sharma to Heinrich Klaasen, Tossed up, around the pads, Heinrich Klaasen tucks this towards the deep mid-wicket region for a single.

Suyash Sharma to Heinrich Klaasen, WIDE! Full and wide down the leg, Heinrich Klaasen looks for the sweep but misses. Wided.

Suyash Sharma to Heinrich Klaasen, Top-spinner, around off, Heinrich Klaasen checks his stroke and ends up guides this to point.

Suyash Sharma to Heinrich Klaasen, SIX​​! Heinrich Klaasen has made it look so easy. Short of a length, around off, Heinrich Klaasen backs away to his leg side and just muscles this up and over extra cover for a biggie over the deep extra cover fence.

Strategic Break! Heinrich Klaasen has changed gears and attacked one of RCB's best bowlers, smashing 27 runs in the last over. The momentum is with the home side now, and with two destructive batters out there, they have the perfect platform to get something near 230 or even more. However, Royal Challengers Bengaluru know that if they can break this partnership, they can get back in the contest, putting pressure on a not-so-experienced middle order. Also, Suyash Sharma to bowl after the break.

Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, Full and wide of off, Heinrich Klaasen pushes this towards sweeper cover for a single. 27 runs off the over!

Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, SIX! Josh is feeling the heat as Heinrich Klaasen has gone full monty on the RCB pacer. A gentle, knee-height full toss, around off, Heinrich Klaasen stands well inside his crease, gets a stable platform to free his arms and slogs this out of the park over the long on fence for six more runs.

Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, FOUR! There was nothing wrong with the delivery but such is the class of Heinrich Klaasen that he has guided this away for four. Full and wide outside off, Heinrich Klaasen plays this late, opens his bat face and guides this through the gap between short third and backward point for four.

Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, SIX! Klaasen has very much stepped onto the accelerator and these are scary signs for RCB. Pitched-up delivery, on middle and off, Heinrich Klaasen stays leg side to the pitch of the ball and smashes this deep into the crowd towards the long on region for one of the biggest hits of the game so far.

Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, WIDE! Bumper, another one a bit too high on the batter. Heinrich Klaasen leaves it. Wided.

Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, WIDE! Good length, wide down the leg, Heinrich Klaasen swings and misses. Wide called once again.

Josh Hazlewood to Heinrich Klaasen, SIX! Maybe this will get Heinrich Klaasen going. On a length, into the batter, around his pads, Heinrich Klaasen gets inside the line a bit, gets right underneath the ball and slogs this out of the park towards the deep mid-wicket region for a massive six.

Josh Hazlewood to Ishan Kishan, Full and wide of off, Ishan Kishan hammers this towards sweeper cover for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Ishan Kishan, WIDE! Too short by Josh Hazlewood as he bangs a short one over the head of Ishan Kishan. The batter leaves it and the umpire calls it wide.

Now, Josh Hazlewood comes back into the attack.

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, Just five singles in the over. Full and wide, Ishan Kishan lunges across and flicks it on the full, towards deep square leg, but again the fielding is sharp and it will only be a single.

Romario Shepherd to Heinrich Klaasen, Well bowled again, and it's turning out to be a comeback over from Romario Shepherd. Slow and short again, at the batter. Klaasen pulls it towards deep mid-wicket and collects a run. Ishan Kishan is now fially allowed to get his bat changed.

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, Romario comes around the wicket and angles in a full ball from outside off. Ishan Kishan reaches for it and ends up hitting it one-handed down to long on. Devdutt Padikkal is quick to cut it off to his right and keeps it down to a single. It seems like Kishan has called for a new bat.

Romario Shepherd to Heinrich Klaasen, A slower bumper now, dug in high and at the batter. Klaasen moves leg side and reaches up to pull it down through wide mid on for just a single.

Romario Shepherd to Heinrich Klaasen, Klaasen isn't able to get going at the moment. Slower one, on a good length and on off. Klaasen shuffles across to lap it down to fine leg but misses and the ball goes just over the stumps.

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, Pitched fuller on middle, Ishan Kishan hits it straight and back over the bowler's head, but the timing isn't quite there. The fielder at long on cuts it off to his right and it will just be a single.

Well, Rajat Patidar wanted to give the ball to Josh Hazlewood, but as he was out of the field, the umpires said he could only bowl after a couple of minutes. So, Romario Shepherd will continue.

Krunal Pandya to Heinrich Klaasen, Smartly bowled, and a couple of dots to end the over from Krunal Pandya. The arm-ball, darted into the batter, Klaasen hops back to make room but gets cramped and just jams it out.

Krunal Pandya to Heinrich Klaasen, Fractionally short on middle and leg, Klaasen leans back to put it away leg side but fails to get it away.

Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, Fired in, on a nagging length and just outside off. Kishan jams it down to long off and turns the strike over.

Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, SIX! BANG! A bit fuller again, slightly tossed up, around middle and leg. Ishan Kishan comes forward a bit and wallops the slog sweep over deep mid-wicket for a biggie.

Krunal Pandya to Ishan Kishan, Nicely bowled. A bit fuller, just sliding it across the left-hander. Kishan hangs back, crouches down and looks to cut it late but is beaten past the outside edge.

Krunal Pandya to Heinrich Klaasen, Length ball, darted in on off stump, Klaasen hops back and smacks it down to long off for a run.

Krunal Pandya replaces Suyash Sharma.

Romario Shepherd to Heinrich Klaasen, That's a fine delivery, but still, 13 runs come off the over. A yorker, right at the toes, Klaasen jams it out through square leg and picks up a single. Romario Shepherd's gone for 32 runs in his 2 overs so far.

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, Good-length delivery, much straighter in line. Ishan pushes it down to long on for a single.

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! Finally, Kishan picks the gap to perfection. Back of a length, angled across off, Kishan hangs back and cuts it late, to the left of short third for a boundary.

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, That's pinged off Ishan Kishan's blade and that's a sensational stop in the deep as well. Full and wide outside off, Kishan gets low and laces the drive wide to the left of Venkatesh Iyer at sweeper cover. Iyer sprints across and lunges at the ball, clawing it back with his left hand, saving a couple of runs while doing so as well.

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, WIDE! A slower bumper now, outside off and dug in well short. Kishan reaches to uppercut but leaves it alone at the last moment, and gets the wide call in his favour. Too high.

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, Two more, this time to the other side of Venkatesh Iyer in the deep. Dug in shorter, wide outside off, Kishan reaches for it and slaps it wide of deep point for another brace.

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, Back of a length, angled across off, bowled into the deck. Kishan scythes it away to the right of deep point and races back for the second run. Good running.

Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, This time, Suyash sees Kishan coming and drags the length back a bit. Around leg, wristed away in front of mid-wicket for a single. A wicket and 7 runs off the 9th over.

Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! A half tracker and it's been put away. A googly around off, Ishan Kishan advances down the pitch, has time to line it up and swats the pull well wide of deep mid-wicket for a boundary. The 100 is up now for SRH.

Suyash Sharma to Heinrich Klaasen, A tad shorter, down leg, Klaasen rocks back and pulls it down to long leg for just a single.

Suyash Sharma to Heinrich Klaasen, Flatter this time, another googly and on the pads. Heinrich Klaasen hangs back and tucks it to square leg.

RCB finally hold onto one. Mr. Consistent, Heinrich Klaasen, comes out to the middle now.

Suyash Sharma to Abhishek Sharma, OUT! CAUGHT! Same batter, same bowler, same fielder and this time, Jordan Cox makes no mistake. Suyash Sharma serves a tossed-up googly around middle and leg. Abhishek Sharma skips down the pitch, stays leg side of the ball and looks to tower it over long off. Sharma gets it off the toe end of the bat and the ball goes high up towards long off. The substitute fielder, Jordan Cox takes a solid catch and Sharma departs after scoring a half-century.

Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, Dragged length around off, Kishan comes down the pitch and punches it down to long on for a run.

Change? No, RCB sticking with the spinner.

Romario Shepherd to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! An expensive over from Romario Shepherd as he gives away 19 off this. Full and wide outside off, Abhishek Sharma doesn't look to muscle it as he stays leg side to the pitch of the ball and guides this past the right of Josh Hazlewood at short third for a boundary.

Romario Shepherd to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! FIFTY FOR Abhishek Sharma. On a length, a bit too straight and onto the pads of Sharma. The SRH opener gets inside the line of the ball and flicks this slightly to the left of the fielder at deep square leg for a biggie to bring up his half-century. An excellent knock by Abhishek Sharma where he has made the most of the chances the opponents have gifted him.

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, Good length, around off, Ishan Kishan cuts this square on off for one.

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, WIDE! Slower and way too wide of off, Ishan Kishan leaves it. Wided.

Romario Shepherd to Ishan Kishan, Short of a length, around off, Ishan Kishan looks to play the cut shot but misses out.

Romario Shepherd to Abhishek Sharma, Short and on off, Abhishek Sharma punches this flat to long off for a single.

Romario Shepherd to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! Abhishek Sharma is living a charmed life as he is once again dropped by a boundary rider and this time the culprit is Devdutt Padikkal. On a length, around middle and off, Abhishek Sharma smashes this down the ground towards the long on region. Devdutt Padikkal misreads the flight of the ball and doesn't time his jump to perfection. The ball goes through his hands for a biggie.

Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, Quicker one, on off, Ishan Kishan pushes this back to the bowler.

Suyash Sharma to Abhishek Sharma, Wrong'un down the leg, Abhishek Sharma gets behind the line of the ball and tucks this through square leg for one.

Suyash Sharma to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! Fuller around, a tad closer to the batter this time. Abhishek Sharma looks for the lofted drive once again but just gets more elevation than distance on this occasion. The ball lobs high around the fence at wide long off. Jordan Cox is patrolling that fence and attempts a rally catch but gestures six straightaway. This is sent upstairs and the replay shows that the right foot of Cox has touched the boundary cushion with the ball in his hands. Six signalled by the umpire.

Is that a six? The substitute fielder, Jordan Cox seemed to have taken a very nonchalant and fine catch, but he immediately signalled that it was a six. The third umpire checks the replay, and it is confirmed that just after taking the catch, Cox's right foot touched the boundary cushion. Abhishek Sharma survives.

Suyash Sharma to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! This is one of the best strokes of the game played by Abhishek Sharma so far. Fuller around the off stumps, Abhishek Sharma steps close to the pitch of the ball and lofts this with the spin. Abhishek doesn't look to muscle it but just relies on the timing behind it and the ball clears the deep extra cover fence with ease for a biggie.

Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, Tossed up, around off, Kishan lofts this towards sweeper cover for a single.

Suyash Sharma to Ishan Kishan, Suyash Sharma starts with a googly, around off, Ishan Kishan doesn't move his feet towards the pitch of the ball and just plays the lofted drive. Gets it edged off the outside half of the blade towards short third for no run.

STRATEGIC BREAK! A good start for the Sunrisers, but not exactly what they would have wanted, given they need to win by a margin of 80-plus runs and they are generally known to score really big in the Powerplay as well. However, with wickets in hand, they will look to accelerate through the middle phase. All of RCB's three frontline pacers have bowled a couple of overs each, and it will now be the turn of their spinners to come in and bog down the opposition in the middle overs. Let's see which side can power through the next phase and garner momentum. Also, Suyash Sharma comes into the attack now.

Rasikh Salam to Ishan Kishan, Short and on middle and leg, Ishan Kishan pulls this away and takes a single to close the Powerplay.

Rasikh Salam to Ishan Kishan, FOUR! On a length, around the pads, Ishan Kishan gets slightly inside the line of the ball and flicks this behind square on leg for a boundary towards the fine leg region.

Rasikh Salam to Abhishek Sharma, DROPPED​! Abhishek Sharma gets a lifeline at 25. Short and into the batter, Abhishek Sharma takes on the short stuff with a pull and hits this at a flatter trajectory towards the fielder at deep square leg. Venkatesh Iyer runs in a bit too fast from the fence, misjudging the flight of the ball. Takes his eyes off it as well and the ball goes past his hands and strikes him on his left thigh. A single taken.

Rasikh Salam to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Sharma reads the slower one and hits this away for four. Slower one, a tad fuller and on middle and off, Abhishek Sharma collapses his back knee and slogs this one bounce over the fence for four towards the cow corner region.

Rasikh Salam to Ishan Kishan, Hard length, around off, Ishan Kishan looks to punch this towards the off side but gets it edged off the inside towards the square leg region for a single.

Rasikh Salam to Ishan Kishan, On a length, around middle and leg, Ishan Kishan pushes this back to the bowler with a straight bat.

Rasikh Salam to continue. Also, according to Ravi Shastri, on-air, this is Virat Kohli's 281st IPL game, making him the most-capped player in the competition, moving ahead of Rohit Sharma on 280 matches.

Josh Hazlewood to Ishan Kishan, Short and around off, Ishan Kishan cuts this well to the right of Virat Kohli at deep third. Kohli glides to his right and puts in a dive to field this inside the fence and keep it down to one run.

Josh Hazlewood to Abhishek Sharma, TWO PLUS ONE! Short-pitched delivery, around middle and leg, Abhishek Sharma pulls this towards the right Devdutt Padikkal at the deep square leg region. The batters take two comfortably as the throw comes in from the fence towards the non-striker's end. Josh leaves it for the backup fielders but both Venkatesh Iyer and Rajat Patidar make a mess of it and that allows the SRH pair to run an extra here. The 50 is also up for SRH.

Josh Hazlewood to Abhishek Sharma, WIDE! Slower one, bumper, a bit too high on the batter around middle and leg, Abhishek Sharma looks to play the upper-cut but misses out. Wide called by the umpire.

Josh Hazlewood to Abhishek Sharma, Perfect from Josh. A wide yorker, lands it just inside the tramline outside off, Abhishek Sharma reaches out to drive but the ball sneaks past the willow. Sharma wants a wide call, but he won't get it.

Josh Hazlewood to Ishan Kishan, A tad full and around off, Ishan Kishan smashes this towards the fielder at point. Rasikh Salam moves to his right but fumbles a bit and that allows the single.

Josh Hazlewood to Abhishek Sharma, Short and into the batter, around the leg side. Abhishek Sharma jumps down and away and cuts this flat just in front of Rasikh Salam at backward point for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Abhishek Sharma, Back of a length, around off, angling across the batter. Abhishek Sharma goes deep inside the crease and dabs this to backward point for a dot.

Ishan Kishan walks in at number 3 for SRH. Also, Josh Hazlewood switches ends now.

Rasikh Salam to Travis Head, OUT! BOWLED'EM! Rasikh Salam has the last laugh here. He comes around the wicket and delivers the perfect yorker, landing right on the popping crease. Travis Head makes room but before he can get his bat down, the ball does through to rattle the base of the middle stump. Salam is absolutely pumped up and gives a bit of a send-off to the Aussie. SRH are 45/1.

Rasikh Salam to Travis Head, Much fuller and on off, Travis Head gets a bit late and bunts it out towards mid off.

Rasikh Salam to Travis Head, FOUR! Nicely done! A loopy slower delivery, on off, dipping in late. Travis Head makes room and does well to reach out to take it on the full, before drilling it past cover for four more runs.

Rasikh Salam to Travis Head, Touch fuller and on off, takes pace off, Travis Head drives it on the up but straight to cover.

Rasikh Salam to Travis Head, FOUR! Top shot! Back of a length and around middle, Travis Head backs away to access the off side. He extends his arms, stays on top and punches it sweetly between mid off and extra cover for another boundary.

Rasikh Salam to Travis Head, FOUR! Poor delivery and rightly punished! Short of a length and angling down the leg side, Travis Head gets inside the line of it and helps it over short fine for a boundary.

Not the most fiery start, given SRH's standards, but you can sense that both Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head are itching to go big. Here's Rasikh Salam, replacing Josh Hazlewood in the attack.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Travis Head, Good keeping! Jitesh Sharma has already saved a couple of boundaries. A slower one, full and on leg, Travis Head looks to glance it away but gets an inside edge onto his pads as the ball rolls behind. Jitesh dives to his right and parries it towards short fine leg. They cross.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhishek Sharma, Bhuvi sees the batter back away again, serves this full and around leg, giving no room. Abhishek Sharma flicks it towards mid-wicket for another run.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Travis Head, Fuller and on middle and leg, shaping in, Travis Head works it off the inner half of the bat through mid-wicket for a run.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhishek Sharma, Follows the batter, lands this back of a length and down the leg side, Abhishek Sharma backs away but gets cramped up and tucks it to square leg for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Two in two! Good length and around middle this time, Abhishek Sharma once again picks it up nicely and whips it in front of square on the leg side for another boundary.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhishek Sharma, FOUR! Easy pickings! Full and on the pads, Abhishek Sharma brings his wrists into play and flicks it away. He hits it aerially wide of deep square leg, where Krunal Pandya moves to his right but the ball bounces past his outstretched right hand over the fence.

Josh Hazlewood to Travis Head, FOUR! Up and over! Bangs this into the pitch, on middle and leg, takes pace off. Travis Head reads it early, transfers the weight on the back foot and pulls it over mid-wicket for a boundary.

Josh Hazlewood to Travis Head, Much fuller and on the leg stump line, Travis Head drives it off the bottom half of the bat towards mid on.

Josh Hazlewood to Abhishek Sharma, Hard-length delivery around off, Abhishek Sharma runs it down to deep third for a run.

Josh Hazlewood to Travis Head, Short of a length and outside off, Travis Head cuts it away to deep backward point for a single.

Josh Hazlewood to Travis Head, Hits the deck, hard, on middle, nips back in, Travis Head gets cramped up and tucks it to the leg side.

Josh Hazlewood to Travis Head, Josh Hazlewood begins with a back-of-a-length delivery, on middle, Travis Head heaves it away towards deep mid-wicket. Venkatesh Iyer, in the deep, covers a lot of ground to his right and slides to make a good stop. He flicks the ball to the incoming fielder from square to keep it down to two runs.

A brisk start from SRH, nothing surprising. It will be Josh Hazlewood to bowl from the other end.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhishek Sharma, Right in the blockhole, on middle, Abhishek Sharma digs it down the pitch as the ball rolls towards mid off. 13 runs off the first over!

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhishek Sharma, SIX! BANG! The fun has already started in Hyderabad. Bhuve keeps the length fuller and just around off. Abhishek Sharma clears his front leg, hits it through the line to dispatch it over the wide long off fence for a biggie.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Travis Head, Pitched up and on the pads, Travis Head clips it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Travis Head, Lands this on a good length, bowls it much closer to the off stump, Travis Head stays back and keeps it out.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Travis Head, FOUR! First runs off the bat! Back of a length and outside off, shapes away, Travis Head gets the chance to free his arms and crunches it through point for the first boundary of the game.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhishek Sharma, TWO WIDES! Full again and on middle and leg, shaping into the leg side, Abhishek Sharma fails to glance it away. Jitesh Sharma puts in a full-length dive to his right, gets some gloves on it to make a half-stop. A wide and a bye taken. SRH are underway with extras.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Abhishek Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar starts with a full delivery, on off, shaping away a bit, Abhishek Sharma drives it firmly but straight to cover.

All in readiness for the game to begin. The umpires are out in the middle, as Virat Kohli leads the RCB players in a huddle, before they spread out on the field. The pairing of Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, or as they are more fondly called, 'Travishek,' will open the innings for the Sunrisers. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will get proceedings underway with the ball against his former side. Let's play...

Impact Player options for RCB - Tim David, Kanishk Chouhan, Swapnil Singh, Abhinandan Singh, and Jordan Cox.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI) - Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar (C), Krunal Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, and Rasikh Salam.

Impact Player options for SRH - Aniket Verma, Praful Hinge, Liam Livingstone, Harsh Dubey, and Harshal Patel.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (Playing XI) - Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, Ishan Kishan (WK), Heinrich Klaasen, Salil Arora, Ravichandran Smaran, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pat Cummins (C), Shivang Kumar, Eshan Malinga, and Sakib Hussain.

The skipper of RCB - Rajat Patidar says that wherever they go, it feels like a home ground. Adds that it doesn't matter where they are on the points table, you need to give your best. He further adds that when you play at such a high level in a tournament like this, and if you want to win the championship, you need to tick all boxes. Mentions that they have one change in the side. Jacob Bethell picked up an injury to his finger, and he (Patidar) replaces Bethell in the lineup.

Tha captain of SRH - Pat Cummins says that it is a long shot getting the top two but they will give it a crack. Adds that they want to try a few different things but he wants the boys to enjoy the game. Cummins mentions that they will get good preparation in this game before it starts getting a bit more serious. Informs they are playing the same combination from the last game.

TOSS - We are all set for the toss. Ravi Shastri is adjudicating proceedings in the middle. The two skippers - Pat Cummins and Rajat Patidar are out in the middle as well. Cummins flips the coin, and Patidar calls incorrectly. Sunrisers Hyderabad will BAT first.

RCB camp looks happy - The players of Royal Challengers Bengaluru can be seen in a huddle, with the returning Phil Salt leading the talks. Will we see him back in action today? Or will he directly feature in the playoffs? We will get to know pretty soon, as the toss is coming up next.

Let's hear from RCB's Devdutt Padikkal - Devdutt mentions that in this season, he is experiencing the positive results of a long-term improvement process driven by minor technical adjustments he started last year. Padikkal adds that the key to his success has been his hard work and mental toughness. On improving his ball striking, Devdutt reckons that he has been training in a manner where he is prepared to take the bowler on from the first ball and that has worked for him this season. Devdutt concludes by saying that batting with Virat has helped him a lot as Kohli's masterful pacing, deep understanding of innings management, and perfect control over the match tempo provide immense support to Padikkal at the other end.

PITCH REPORT - Murali Kartik is pitchside. He says that it is a battle of supremacy. Adds that one side of the ground is very small at 63 meters, while the other square boundary is 68 meters, and the straight hit is 75 meters. Says that the average score in the last two seasons has been 218. He also jokingly compares the surface to his bald head, noticing that there is not a single blade of grass on it. Michael Clarke joins him and says that he feels sorry for the bowlers, as this is an absolute belter. Mentions that there is no grass on it, it looks even and there will be good carry and bounce for the batters to hit through the line. He reckons there will not be much spin and the only thing the bowlers can use is variations, angles and the wide lines. He still expects it to be a high-scoring affair. Kartik ends by saying that 4 out of 6 matches here have been won by teams batting first.

Grand finale prelude - This contest breathes a nervous energy in the air for what could either be an absolute run-feast or a highly tactical, chess-like battle between two elite coaching brains. For SRH to make a dash for the top two, they would need a huge win. If they bat first, the margin of victory will have to be around 87-89 runs, depending on the total set by them. Conversely, if SRH chase,  they would need to reach a target, be it 121 or 181, in about 11 overs. We will bring you the actual numbers as the game goes on, but for now, SRH are up against it. With both teams loaded with world-class match-winners and strategic depth, this game serves as the perfect dress rehearsal for the upcoming playoffs. Stay tuned for toss and team news.

Defending champions on top - The visiting Royal Challengers Bengaluru arrive with the proud distinction of being the very first team to qualify for the 2026 playoffs. Sitting confidently at the pole position, the defending champions have put together such a dominant season that even a marginal defeat in this fixture will keep them securely at the top of the table. RCB’s X-factor has been their ability to win high-pressure crunch moments, driven by a miserly bowling unit and a batting order that fires in perfect unison. Although Virat Kohli’s opening partner, Jacob Bethell, has struggled to find his fluent best, the rest of the unit has stepped up exemplarily. For instance, Venkatesh Iyer slotted in for Rajat Patidar in the previous match and immediately smashed a match-winning half-century. However, the champions will still look to iron out minor top-order inconsistencies before entering the high-stakes playoffs.

Sunrisers Hyderabad's formidable surge - Sunrisers Hyderabad enter this contest control of their own destiny, an impressive feat achieved after enduring the entire first half of the season without their regular talisman, Pat Cummins. Undeterred by his absence, the Orange Army steadfastly maintained their ultra-aggressive brand of cricket, consistently dismantling opposition bowling attacks with a terrifyingly explosive batting lineup that strikes fear into opponents. This destructive batting unit relies heavily on the roaring form of Heinrich Klaasen, whose explosive performances in the middle order keep bowlers under perpetual threat and provide a massive psychological boost to the team. The dynamic pace quartet of Cummins, Malinga, Sakib, and Hinge has hit peak form simultaneously to deliver lethal opening spells and restrictive death-overs execution. Meanwhile, Shivang Kumar masterfully spins a web around batters in the middle overs to choke the run flow, giving the disciplined and destructive Orange Army a formidable edge on their home turf.

Clash of the Titans - Welcome, cricket fans, to a blockbuster encounter in Match 67 of the Indian Premier League 2026, where the high-flying Sunrisers Hyderabad host the formidable Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Both powerhouse franchises have already shattered the qualification barrier and secured their playoff berths, yet this final league encounter remains intensely critical. The coveted top two spots on the points table are still mathematically up for grabs. Finishing in this elite bracket rewards a team with two distinct shots at reaching the grand finale via Qualifier 1, ensuring a crucial safety net if they encounter a rare off-day in the knockout stages.

... MATCH DAY ...

Race for the top in Hyderabad - The league stage of IPL 2026 is almost done, but the battle for the top two is still wide open. Match 67 at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium brings together two sides already through to the playoffs, but with far bigger ambitions still left to chase. A win for Royal Challengers Bengaluru will confirm a top-of-the-table finish and, with it, two shots at reaching the final. Sunrisers Hyderabad, meanwhile, know that depending on Gujarat Titans' result, victory here could also propel them into the top two and hand them that crucial extra lifeline in the playoffs. There is also unfinished business involved. Earlier this season, RCB stormed into Hyderabad and chased down 202 in just 15.4 overs, one of the most brutal chases of the campaign. SRH will want revenge in front of the Orange Army, while Bengaluru will look to complete the double and carry winning momentum into the knockouts. Travishek setting Hyderabad ablaze - Sunrisers Hyderabad's batting has revolved around the explosive opening duo of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, better known as 'Travishek'. Together, they have piled on 874 runs and smashed 60 sixes this season, giving SRH the kind of starts few teams have been able to contain. Ishan Kishan has blown a bit hot and cold, but even then, he is striking at a staggering 179.48 and comes into this clash after a match-winning knock against Chennai Super Kings. Yet, the most reliable batter for Hyderabad has undoubtedly been Heinrich Klaasen. The South African has been sensational, leading the scoring charts for SRH with 555 runs while averaging a remarkable 50.45. Salil Arora has added late firepower down the order, while Nitish Kumar Reddy's all-round contributions continue to be invaluable, giving balance to the side with both bat and ball. Youth stepping up - The return of Pat Cummins has added calmness and authority back into the Hyderabad bowling attack. His leadership and understanding of conditions were on full display against CSK, where he picked up three crucial wickets exactly when his side needed breakthroughs. But the real success story has been the rise of the younger bowlers. Eshan Malinga has emerged as SRH's leading wicket-taker with 17 scalps and has been especially lethal at the death. Alongside him, the young duo of Sakib Hussain and Praful Hinge have completely transformed Hyderabad's attack, combining for 25 wickets and consistently striking through the middle overs. Shivang Kumar, meanwhile, has quietly done an excellent job in the spin department with his control and discipline. The team everyone's chasing - Royal Challengers Bengaluru have looked like the most complete side in IPL 2026. Despite a few stumbles, they have lost only four games all season and continue to set the benchmark heading into the playoffs. Once again, Virat Kohli has led from the front. The former skipper has amassed 542 runs, including four fifties and an unbeaten century, anchoring innings while still maintaining tempo. Devdutt Padikkal has enjoyed one of his finest IPL campaigns as well, averaging 37.45, while Rajat Patidar and Tim David have brought sheer destruction through the middle order, both striking at over 190. Patidar missed the previous game with Jitesh Sharma stepping in as captain, but RCB will hope their skipper is fit to return for such a crucial clash. One area still slightly unsettled is the opening slot alongside Kohli. Since Phil Salt's injury, Jacob Bethell hasn't quite managed to make the impact expected of him, and with Salt likely available for the playoffs, this could be Bethell's final opportunity to fire. Venkatesh Iyer, though, made the most of his opportunity in the last game with a brilliant knock, while Krunal Pandya's all-round value has been one of the defining factors behind Bengaluru's consistency this season. They would still like a little more impact from Romario Shepherd in both departments. Experience and control with the ball - RCB's bowling attack has quietly become one of the strongest in the tournament. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has turned back the clock spectacularly, picking up 24 wickets while maintaining a superb economy of just 7.70. Josh Hazlewood and Rasikh Salam have played the perfect supporting roles with 12 wickets each, constantly chipping away at opposition line-ups. Suyash Sharma, meanwhile, has been highly effective through the middle overs, using his spin variations brilliantly on slower surfaces. It is this balance, power with the bat and control with the ball, that has made Bengaluru such a dangerous side this season. Team form (Last 5 completed IPL matches, most recent first) - SRH - WLWLW | RCB - WWWLL. Conditions and the rivalry - The Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium has once again produced high-scoring encounters this season, and with two batting-heavy sides colliding, another run-fest could well be on the cards. The Powerplay battle may decide everything, especially with both teams relying heavily on explosive starts. Historically, SRH hold a slight 14-12 edge in the head-to-head record, but RCB have won the last meeting in emphatic fashion. Now Hyderabad have the chance to hit back at home, while Bengaluru aim to march into the playoffs as the undisputed team to beat. Two playoff-bound sides. One massive opportunity. And perhaps a final statement before the knockout stage begins.