Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are staring at an early exit from the IPL 2026 season after suffering their third consecutive defeat, this time against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who secured a commanding 43-run victory.

RCB delivered a batting masterclass, posting a formidable 250/3 in their 20 overs. The innings was powered by explosive contributions from Tim David, who smashed an unbeaten 70 off just 25 balls, and skipper Rajat Patidar, who remained not out on a blistering 48 off 19 deliveries.

Devdutt Padikkal added a fluent 50, while Phil Salt chipped in with 46 at the top. Despite picking up three wickets, CSK bowlers struggled to contain the run flow, conceding at 12.50 runs per over.

In response, CSK endured a disastrous start, losing three wickets within the first three overs. Sarfaraz Khan offered some resistance with a quickfire 50, while Prashant Veer (43) and Jamie Overton (37) tried to revive the chase. However, the steep target proved too much as CSK were bowled out for 207 in 19.4 overs.

RCB’s bowling attack was led by Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who claimed three crucial wickets, while Jacob Duffy and Krunal Pandya chipped in with two apiece.

With three losses on the trot, CSK now find themselves in a precarious position in the points table, needing a swift turnaround to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Sri Lanka A delivered a dominant all-round performance to secure a comprehensive 140-run victory over New Zealand A, powered by three impressive half-centuries and a clinical bowling display in the first unofficial One day worked off at Galle International cricket stadium on Sunday.

After being put in to bat, Sri Lanka A posted a competitive 261 in 49.2 overs, with their top and middle order laying a solid foundation. Kamil Mishara set the tone early with a fluent 71 off just 49 balls, striking 12 fours and a six to give his side early momentum. Despite a few quick wickets in the first half, the innings was stabilized by skipper Sahan Arachchige, who compiled a composed 66 from 81 deliveries, anchoring the middle phase.

The innings gained further depth through Milan Rathnayaka, who added a crucial 53 off 89 balls. His patient knock ensured Sri Lanka A batted deep and pushed towards a strong total. Contributions from the lower order and useful extras helped the hosts cross the 260-mark, giving their bowlers a solid platform to defend.

In response, New Zealand A never found rhythm in their chase and were bundled out for just 121 in 28.4 overs. The Sri Lankan bowlers dominated from the outset, with Wanuja Sahan producing a match-winning spell. He claimed an outstanding five-wicket haul, dismantling the opposition’s batting lineup with accuracy and control.

Support came from Sonal Dinusha, who picked up two key wickets, while the rest of the attack maintained consistent pressure. Apart from a brief counterattack by Dale Phillips, New Zealand A struggled against disciplined bowling and regular breakthroughs.

Overall, it was a commanding performance from Sri Lanka A, highlighted by the half-centuries of Mishara, Arachchige, and Rathnayaka, complemented by Sahan’s brilliant five-for to seal an emphatic win.

Lucknow Super Giants secured a composed five-wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad in a well-contested encounter, chasing down 157 with one ball to spare. After being put in, Sunrisers Hyderabad posted 156/9 in their 20 overs, recovering from a disastrous start thanks to a strong middle-order effort.

The innings began poorly as Mohammed Shami struck early, removing Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head cheaply. Sunrisers slipped to 11/3 before Heinrich Klaasen and Nitish Kumar Reddy led a remarkable recovery. Klaasen scored a fluent 62 off 41 balls, while Reddy counterattacked brilliantly with 56 off 33 deliveries, lifting the scoring rate. However, late wickets from Avesh Khan and Prince Yadav restricted Hyderabad to a below-par total.

In reply, Lucknow Super Giants got off to a steady start through Aiden Markram, who played an aggressive knock of 45 from 27 balls. Despite a few middle-order hiccups, captain Rishabh Pant anchored the chase with a composed unbeaten 68 off 50 balls. He found support from Abdul Samad, whose quick 16 proved valuable in maintaining momentum.

Sunrisers bowlers showed glimpses of fight, particularly Harsh Dubey, who picked up two key wickets. However, Pant’s calm finishing ensured Lucknow crossed the line at 160/5 in 19.5 overs.