IPL 2026 points table: Top 3 set, four teams in battle for fourth spot

Sunrisers Hyderabad lost to defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their final league stage match of the Indian Premier League 2026 on Friday but failed to finish in top-two. Batting first, SRH posted 255/4 and needed a win of 90 or more runs to go past RCB on the NRR and top the group stage. But their 55-run victory kept them third as RCB joined Gujarat Titans in the top two.

SRH knew they had to win big to overtake the defending champions and secure their top-two spot. SRH batted first and posted a huge 255/4. Abhishek Sharma (56), Ishan Kishan (79), (51) and Nitish Reddy (29) delivered some stellar knocks. RCB’s bowlers were put to the sword and it was a tough time for everyone in the middle.”

RCB needed just 165 to keep their top spot and they batted smartly to make sure they put the requisite runs on the board. However, a brilliant start from Venkatesh Iyer, a cameo from Devdutt Paddikal, a fifty from Rajat Patidar and an unbeaten 41 from took RCB well past that mark and they finished at 200/4. RCB lost by 55 runs but ensured the top spot.

RCB, GT and SRH are in the top three positions but the race for the last spot in the points table is on. Rajasthan Royals, Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Delhi Capitals are all fighting for the last spot in the playoffs.

SRH’s win against RCB took them to 18 points but their poor NRR of 0.524 saw them in the third spot. RCB lost the match but finished with 18 points, and an NRR of 0.783. GT are second on the table with 18 points and an NRR of 0.695.

Rajasthan Royals are in fourth place with 14 points and a game in hand so things are tight below them. Punjab Kings are fifth with 13 points from 13 matches, while KKR are sixth with 13 points from as many matches.

The eliminated Chennai Super Kings are seventh with 12 points from 14 matches while the barely surviving Delhi Capitals too have 12 points from 13 matches. MI and LSG are ninth and 10th with eight points apiece.