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Updated May 21, 2026 · 16:17
Cricket News Updated May 21, 2026

IPL 2026: SRH vs RCB Clash for Top-Two Finish on Friday

Sunrisers Hyderabad face Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their final IPL 2026 group stage match at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday. SRH have recovered from a poor start to qualify for playoffs, sitting third with 16 points. Defending champions RCB are top of the table with 18 points and aim to secure a top-two finish. The match starts at 7:30 PM IST, broadcast on Star Sports and streamed on JioHotstar.

IPL 2026: When and Where to watch SRH vs RCB, know all details

Hyderabad, May 21

2016 winners Sunrisers Hyderabad will clash with the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their last group stage match of the Indian Premier League 2026 to be played at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium on Friday.

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have recovered from a disastrous start where they lost three out of four opening matches, to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs. They are currently placed in third spot in the points table with 16 points in 13 matches. A victory against RCB will take them to 18 points and amplify their chances of a crucial top-two finish.

On the other side, the defending champions were the first team to qualify for the IPL 2026 playoffs. They are coming to the contest after a crucial 23-run win against the Punjab Kings. RCB will aim to seal their top-two spot with a win against SRH in their last group stage match. They are currently placed at the top of the points table with 18 points in 13 matches.

Sunrisers hold a slight edge in the head-to-head record against the Challengers. Among the 27 matches played between the two sides, SRH have won 14 matches, while RCB have also been victorious in 12 outings.

Both sides last met in the opening match of the IPL 2026, in which RCB beat SRH by 6 wickets at M.Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

When: Friday, May 22, 7:30 PM IST

Where: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad.

Where to watch: The SRH vs RCB match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game.

Squads:

Sunrisers Hyderabad: Travis Head, Ishan Kishan, Heinrich Klaasen, Smaran Ravichandran, Abhishek Sharma, Harsh Dubey, Kamindu Mendis, Nitish Kumar Reddy, Pat Cummins (c), Eshan Malinga, Jaydev Unadkat, Harshal Patel, Salil Arora, Praful Hinge, Liam Livingstone, Shivam Mavi, Jack Edwards, Brydon Carse, Sakib Hussain, Zeeshan Ansari, Aniket Verma, Amit Kumar, Krains Fuletra

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (captain), Virat Kohli, Tim David, Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jordan Cox, Suyash Sharma, Venkatesh lyer, Swapnil Singh, Jacob Duffy, Kanishk Chouhan, Abhinandan Singh, Mangesh Yadav, Phil Salt, Satvik Deswal, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra.

— IANS

Reader Comments

Priya S

As an SRH fan, I'm thrilled to see how they turned things around after that poor start! But honestly, I feel the team is too dependent on Cummins and Head. Our middle order needs to step up against RCB's bowling attack. Let's see what happens 🤞

Vikram M

Two strong teams battling for top-two finish - this is what IPL is all about! I just wish they'd reduce the number of time-outs and ads during the match. It kills the momentum for viewers at home. But excited to see Bhuvneshwar back in RCB colors against his old team!

Rohit P

SRH vs RCB in Hyderabad is always a festival atmosphere! 🇮🇳 I remember last year's game where the stadium was rocking. Both teams have great overseas players but key Indian performers like Abhishek Sharma and Krunal Pandya will decide the match. Going to be a close one!

Sarah B

Finally a match that actually matters for both teams! RCB has been clinical this season but their bowling against SRH's explosive top order will be tested. I think the team that handles pressure better will win. My prediction: RCB edges it by 10-15 runs.

Kavya N

Great to see both teams already in playoffs! But I have a small complaint - the IPL scheduling is crazy. Why are teams playing their last group match on May 22 when the tournament started almost two months ago? They should have more weekend double-headers instead of dragging it so long. Anyway, cheering for RCB to finish top! 🏆

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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