Check IPL 2026 playoffs qualification scenarios for PBKS and RCB here
Punjab Kings have been handed their 6th defeat on the trot as their playoffs berth looks like a distant dream at the moment.
 "Check IPL 2026 playoffs qualification scenarios for PBKS and RCB here")
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have become the first team to book themselves a playoff berth in IPL 2026 as they hand a comfortable 23-run defeat to Punjab Kings in Dharamshala
RCB Playoffs qualification Scenario
Royal Challengers Bengaluru now sit at the top of the IPL 2026 points table with 18 points from 13 matches. A 23-run win against Punjab Kings tonight has officially confirmed their qualification for the playoffs.
RCB are also firmly in contention for a top-two finish, which would give them an extra opportunity in the playoffs. If Bengaluru win their remaining game, they are guaranteed to finish in the top two.
PBKS Playoffs qualification Scenario
Punjab Kings entered today’s clash under immense pressure after suffering five straight defeats despite an unbeaten start to the season and are now without a win in 6 matches.
PBKS currently have 13 points from 13 matches and realistically need victories in both of their remaining fixtures to avoid depending on other teams.
A defeat tonight has left Punjab in a difficult position, requiring favourable results elsewhere while also relying heavily on net run-rate calculations.
IPL 2026 points table
| IPL 2026 points table | |||||||
| Position | Team | P | W | L | NR | Pts | NRR |
| 1 | RCB | 13 | 9 | 4 | 0 | 18 | 1.053 |
| 2 | GT | 13 | 8 | 5 | 0 | 16 | 0.4 |
| 3 | SRH | 12 | 7 | 5 | 0 | 14 | 0.331 |
| 4 | PBKS | 13 | 6 | 6 | 1 | 13 | 0.355 |
| 5 | RR | 11 | 6 | 5 | 0 | 12 | 0.082 |
| 6 | CSK | 12 | 6 | 6 | 0 | 12 | 0.027 |
| 7 | KKR | 12 | 5 | 6 | 1 | 11 | -0.038 |
| 8 | DC | 12 | 5 | 7 | 0 | 10 | -0.993 |
| 9 | MI (E) | 12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 8 | -0.504 |
| 10 | LSG (E) | 12 | 4 | 8 | 0 | 8 | -0.701 |