Fans react to RCB's slow run-chase vs SRH [Source: JioHotstar, X[
Friday night fixtures between the table-toppers Royal Challengers Bengaluru and third-placed Sunrisers Hyderabad are quickly dubbed a snoozefest on social media after RCB was asked to chase 256 away from home.
The chase started with a blistering knock by Venkatesh Iyer, but soon RCB resorted to ODI type of a run-chase. The defending champions received a considerable backlash from IPL fans, who expected a high-scoring thriller after SRHโs innings.The
RCB face scrutiny for slow chase against SRH
Following swashbuckling fifties for Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, and Heinrich Klaasen, the Royal Challengers got off to an opening partnership of 60 runs in 4.3 overs. Venkatesh Iyer scored four fours and four sixes for his 44 off 19, but then RCB decided to slow down the chase, as they did not have much at stake in this encounter.
While SRH was looking to break into the top-3 with a big win, RCB only needed 166 runs to secure the top-2 to play Qualifier 1. The 166-run objective was completed in 16.4 overs, but they ended up receiving a lot of criticism from the fans, who considered this a boring approach.
See the reactions below:
Also Read: List Of All Records Broken By SRH Vs RCB
RCB and GT secure Qualifier 1
Ahead of the fixture in Hyderabad, RCB and SRH both had a chance to play Qualifier 1. The teams had already sealed a top-4 finish, but a win by 88 runs would have meant SRH would move in the top-2 positions and RCB would have dropped to the Eliminator spots.
In no scenario was it possible that GT would go down to play the eliminator. Hence, with 3.2 overs to be played in what was a four-pointer match between the teams, RCB looked far away from the win but completed their main objective to play Qualifier 1 and potentially have two shots at reaching the final.
Now RCB will face GT in Qualifier 1 at Dharamsala on May 26, while despite the win, SRH will play Eliminator in Mullanpur on May 27.
All to play for on the final weekend of IPL 2026
With RCB, GT and SRH finishing at equal points, only the fourth spot is to be filled from the final three matches of IPL 2026 league phase.
Currently, Punjab Kings, Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals are all alive in the tournament with only one place left. Among the four teams, only the Rajasthan Royals have their destiny in their own hands.
For the Punjab Kings to qualify for the Eliminator against SRH, they need to defeat Lucknow Super Giants on Saturday and would need the Mumbai Indians to win against RR, followed by at least a close game between KKR and DC.
If RR wins, they go through without needing any support from other teams. Both KKR and DC will want PBKS and RR to lose and win their head-to-head game to stand a chance to qualify.
Also Read: Virat Kohli Scripts T20 History Despite Failure Vs SRH
