Royal Challengers Bengaluru earned a crucial 23-run win over Punjab Kings at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala in IPL 2026, a result that took the defending champions to the top of the points table and extended PBKS’ worrying slide. The result also came with a sharp social media twist.
RCB posted a cheeky message after the game — “Masterclass 101: What not to tweet” — in response to Punjab’s earlier dig at Bengaluru’s historic total of 49. PBKS, who had started the season with seven unbeaten matches, have now lost six in a row and are suddenly fighting to stay alive in the playoff race.
WATCH – Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Smashes Lungi Ngidi For Stunning First-Ball Six
Punjab won the toss and opted to bowl first, but RCB’s batting group delivered another strong effort. Virat Kohli opened the innings with Jacob Bethell, although the young Englishman fell early for 11 off seven balls to Harpreet Brar. Devdutt Padikkal then provided valuable support with a composed 43 before Kohli raised yet another half-century. The RCB superstar was eventually dismissed by Yuzvendra Chahal for 58.
A class that we won’t need. 🙏 pic.twitter.com/07joCAapmH
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 17, 2026
RCB win by 2️⃣3️⃣ runs.
It’s okay guys…. But don’t do it again! pic.twitter.com/VDOY5oWfqA
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 17, 2026
From there, Venkatesh Iyer and Tim David finished the innings in style. Venkatesh anchored the late phase smartly, while David smashed 28 off just 12 balls to lift Bengaluru to a formidable total.
PBKS struggled in the chase despite useful contributions from Shashank Singh, who crossed fifty, and overseas batters Cooper Connolly and Marcus Stoinis, who added 37-run knocks. Suryansh Shedge also chipped in with 35, but the target always looked out of reach.
WATCH – MS Dhoni Shares Light Moments With NSG Commandos In Chennai
With the ball, Rasikh Salam starred for RCB with three wickets. Bhuvneshwar Kumar picked up two, while Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma and Romario Shepherd chipped in with one wicket each to seal a convincing win.
