Rishabh Pant’s Lucknow Super Giants kept their IPL 2026 playoff chances alive with a tight nine-run win over Royal Challengers Bengaluru, with the DLS method playing a decisive role. The victory snapped LSG’s run of six straight defeats, and it also ended an eight-match losing streak at the venue. Rain interruptions marked the contest, but Lucknow still managed to set a challenging revised target by reaching 209/3 in 19 overs.
Mitchell Marsh was the standout performer with the bat, smashing 111 off 56 balls to power LSG’s total. When Bengaluru fell short in their pursuit, the chase became a tense battle in the final over, with 20 runs required from the last set. Pant opted to turn to Digvesh Rathi, a decision that ultimately swung the match in Lucknow’s favour as RCB failed to get over the line.
“Coming to the same page means a lot”
Speaking after the game, Pant described the result as a major boost for the group. He said, “It was a good game for us for sure. For the whole team it means a lot. We have been trying lot of things. Coming to the same page means a lot for us. It’s been a tough season but sometimes you have to go through the grind. Definitely we were trying to put together a perfect game where batting and bowling comes together. There has been some good luck and some bad luck but really happy to get a win.”
During the final over, Pant stuck with Rathi instead of Shahbaz Ahmed. When asked about the call, Pant said, “It was a tough call.” He added, “We were under pressure. But at the same time you’ve got to trust your bowler. Rathi was the right matchup for sure against Shepherd. He trusted himself and got the job done for the team.”
Marsh’s big hitting and LSG’s bowling effort
Marsh delivered a match-defining innings, striking at 198.21 and finishing with nine fours and nine sixes. Beyond the batting fireworks, LSG’s bowling unit contributed collectively to keep Bengaluru in check. Pant highlighted the team’s consistent work in the bowling department, saying, “We know that as a team we’ve been grinding hard. Our strength this season has been bowling, the way all the bowlers have put their heart out, especially Prince, Shami bhai, Rathi, all the bowlers.. Avesh, Mayank. There has been some good things as a bowling unit, and looking forward to that.”
RCB’s chase struggles after early setbacks
In response to 210, Royal Challengers Bengaluru lost both their openers early in the innings. The side did attempt to regain momentum through Devdutt Padikkla and Rajat Patidar, who put together a 95-run partnership for the third wicket. However, Prince Yadav broke that stand, and Bengaluru soon slid from 104/2 to 112/5. Tim David tried to spark a late recovery, but it wasn’t enough for RCB to chase down the target.
