RCB vs GT IPL 2026 Final: Royal Challengers Bengaluru launched their chase with explosive intent during the IPL 2026 summit clash, as Virat Kohli and Venkatesh Iyer shattered records by blazing their fastest half-century ever registered in a summit clash. While pursuing a target of 156 runs to win against the Gujarat Titans in Ahmedabad, the Bengaluru-based franchise rocketed to their half-century in just 3.3 overs, eclipsing the previous four-over mark set by the Chennai Super Kings during the 2023 summit clash at the same stadium.
The flying start catapulted the reigning champions into the driver's seat after their bowlers dismantled the hosts for 155/8.
Kohli-Iyer unleash carnage
This opening duo pummeled the GT bowlers from the very first ball.
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Virat Kohli unleashed his absolute best, hammering 23 runs off just eight balls as he cracked fours with ease, igniting excitement among fans at the venue.
Venkatesh Iyer, who occupied the other end, matched the aggression. He thrashed 26 runs off 13 balls, as this opening pair battered GT bowlers in the powerplay.
By the time Rajat Patidar’s side blazed past the fifty-run mark in the fourth over, their previous record was already just a memory, replaced by jubilant cheers echoing across the ground.
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Their aggressive opening partnership demonstrated fierce determination to secure victory after stellar performances with the ball.
Bowlers seize the platform
Rajat Patidar's decision to bowl first did work in their favor.
The RCB fast bowlers shattered GT's top-batting lineup as Josh Hazlewood ousted skipper Shubman Gill after only 10 runs. Then Bhuvaneshwar Kumar snared the wicket of Sai Sudharsan, who managed 12 runs in the next over.
Star fast bowler Rasikh Salam dazzled as he clinched brilliant figures of 3/27 in his four overs. Hazlewood and Bhuvaneshwar grabbed two wickets each, while Krunal Pandya delivered the vital breakthrough by dismissing Jos Buttler.
Washington Sundar emerged as the only batter attempting to spark a late surge, carving out an unbeaten half-century off 37 balls and propelling the hosts to a respectable total.