The teams that will play the first qualifier of IPL 2026 were confirmed on Friday after the league-phase game between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium.
RCB was already on the top spot ahead of the game while SRH was in third place. The host needed to beat RCB by 90 runs or more to jump a place into the top two.
SRH had a commanding total worth 255 runs on the board but could only restrict RCB to 200 for four in the second innings. The 55-run win margin sealed the fate of three teams in the Playoffs.
Defending champion RCB stayed first and will face Gujarat Titans in the first qualifier in Dharamshala on Tuesday. SRH had to settle for a place in the eliminator in New Chandigarh on Wednesday. It will take on one of Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders or Delhi Capitals.
Published on May 22, 2026
