LSG Defeat RCB by 9 Runs in Rain-Hit IPL 2026 Thriller as DLS Changes Target

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) by 9 runs via the DLS method in a dramatic rain-affected IPL 2026 encounter at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow on Friday.

Batting first in the shortened 19-over contest, LSG produced a dominant batting performance and posted a massive total of 209 for 3. The innings was headlined by Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who delivered one of the finest knocks of the season.

Marsh smashed a sensational 111 runs off just 56 balls, attacking the RCB bowling lineup aggressively from the very beginning with a flurry of boundaries and sixes. His explosive innings helped Lucknow take complete control of the match and comfortably cross the 200-run mark.

The middle-order batters also contributed valuable runs as LSG maintained an impressive scoring rate throughout the innings. RCB bowlers struggled to contain the aggressive batting display, particularly during the death overs.

Chasing a target of 210, Royal Challengers Bengaluru suffered an early setback when star batter Virat Kohli was dismissed for a first-ball duck by young fast bowler Prince Yadav.

Kohli’s early dismissal created immediate pressure on Bengaluru, but captain Rajat Patidar responded with a fighting half-century to keep RCB in the chase.

The match took a dramatic turn when rain interrupted play during RCB’s innings, forcing officials to apply the Duckworth-Lewis-Stern (DLS) method. Following the rain delay and overs recalculation, RCB’s revised target increased from 210 to 213, leaving the batting side with a steeper required run rate after play resumed.

Despite the revised challenge, RCB continued to battle hard. Australian batter Tim David launched a late counterattack with massive sixes in the final overs, dramatically reducing the target equation and giving fans hope of an incredible finish.

However, Lucknow’s bowlers maintained their composure under pressure and successfully defended the target to secure a thrilling 9-run victory under the DLS system.

The win was especially significant for Lucknow Super Giants as it ended their six-match losing streak and revived their hopes of qualifying for the IPL 2026 playoffs.

Meanwhile, RCB remain in contention for a playoff spot, although concerns continue over their inconsistent top-order performances following another disappointing start.

The match quickly became a major talking point among cricket fans and analysts because of Virat Kohli’s rare first-ball dismissal, Mitchell Marsh’s stunning century, and the dramatic DLS twist that changed the course of the chase.