Royal Challengers Bengaluru took their rivalry talk a step further off the field, posting a teasing “49/3 (6 overs)” on X during Punjab Kings’ innings in their IPL 2026 match on Sunday. The post landed as a clear social media jab after Bengaluru’s strong show in the contest.
The timing and wording appeared to reference a previous Punjab Kings message from April 28, when PBKS had shared “49/1 (4.3 overs)” during their game against Delhi Capitals. The repeated “49” motif also connects to RCB’s infamous collapse against Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2017, when Bengaluru were bundled out for 49—still regarded as the lowest total in IPL history while chasing a target of 132.
On the ground in Dharamsala, RCB made sure the match itself was just as convincing. Bengaluru sealed a playoff spot with a 23-run victory over Punjab Kings.
Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer anchored the chase of momentum for RCB, with help from an early burst by Bhuvneshwar Kumar that set the tone. Kohli struck a commanding 58 off 37 deliveries, while Iyer finished unbeaten on 73 from 40 balls. Devdutt Padikkal provided further acceleration with a 45-ball knock as RCB compiled 222/4 in their 20 overs.
Punjab Kings’ reply never really got going. Bhuvneshwar Kumar struck early to leave PBKS reeling at 19/3 within four overs, dismissing openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh cheaply. Rasikh Salam then compounded the damage by removing captain Shreyas Iyer for 1.
PBKS did fight back in bursts, with Shashank Singh racing to 56 off 27 balls and Marcus Stoinis adding 37 off 25. However, the mountain proved too large, and Punjab Kings ended their innings on 199/8—falling short of the target.
Earlier in the innings, Kohli and Padikkal put on 76 runs for the second wicket, helping RCB build a platform. Kohli and Padikkal then combined with more control in the middle phase, and Kohli later partnered to stitch another 60-run stand for the third wicket, setting up the final total for Bengaluru.
