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Virat Kohli’s record ninth IPL century powered Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a six-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in Raipur. With the victory, RCB climbed to the top of the points table and moved a step closer to sealing a top-two finish in Indian Premier League 2026.

For KKR, the defeat has left their campaign hanging by a thread. They are still technically alive, but qualification is no longer in their control and they now need several other results to go their way.

Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Rinku Singh power KKR to 192

After a delayed toss due to rain, RCB captain Rajat Patidar invited KKR to bat first. The visitors started positively as Finn Allen attacked from the start and scored a quick 18 off 8 balls. Ajinkya Rahane also looked fluent before departing for 19.

Young Angkrish Raghuvanshi once again stood out with the bat. The right-hander played a composed innings of 71 off 46 deliveries, striking seven fours and three sixes. He held the innings together and laid the foundation for a strong total.

Cameron Green contributed 32 from 24 balls before falling in the middle overs. In the final phase, Rinku Singh produced another crucial cameo and remained unbeaten on 49 from just 29 deliveries. His late hitting lifted KKR to 192 for four in 20 overs.

For RCB, it was a disciplined bowling effort. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood and Rasikh Salam Dar picked up one wicket each and ensured the total stayed under 200.

Virat Kohli’s unbeaten century seals another chase

Coming into the game after back-to-back ducks, Virat Kohli had questions around his form. But once again in a chase, the legend delivered when his side needed him the most.

Kohli produced an unbeaten 105 from 60 balls, smashing 11 fours and three sixes. He anchored the innings brilliantly and guided the chase despite wickets falling at regular intervals at the other end.

Devdutt Padikkal played a key support role, scoring 39 off 27 deliveries and shared a 92-run stand with Kohli that put the chase on track.

Kartik Tyagi impresses but Kolkata bowlers fail to defend

KKR’s bowling attack looked a little short against a confident RCB batting line-up. Kartik Tyagi was the standout performer and finished with three wickets. Sunil Narine picked up one wicket, dismissing Rajat Patidar.

The remaining bowlers struggled badly. They leaked runs consistently and failed to build pressure as Kohli controlled the chase with ease.

RCB reached 194 for four in 19.1 overs, sealing the win with five balls to spare.

RCB close in on playoffs as KKR struggle

The result keeps RCB strongly placed for playoff qualification and also boosts their hopes of finishing in the top two.

For KKR, the situation has become difficult. They must now win every remaining game and also depend on other teams dropping points to stay alive.

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