How can SRH finish in Top 2? Check out IPL 2026 qualification scenarios
With a massive 89-run victory over the Chennai Super Kings, the Gujarat Titans have all but secured their spot in the top two for the third time. However, their eyes remain fixed on the SRH vs RCB IPL 2026 match, the winner of which will become the second team to qualify for Qualifier 1. This match will be held at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium in Hyderabad. Currently, the defending champions, Challengers Bengaluru, sit at number 1 on the points table, while SRH is at number 3. With 18 points and a positive NRR of 1.065, RCB are strong contenders to finish at the top; however, SRH (with 16 points and an NRR of 0.350) will have a slim chance to overtake RCB when they face Rajat Patidar and his side on their home ground this Friday.
The winner of today's match will secure their place in the top two. However, for SRH, a mere victory will not suffice. To guarantee a spot in the top two, they must win the match by a significant margin. In this article, we will explore how SRH can secure a place in the top two.
If SRH bat first
To achieve this, SRH must inflict a crushing defeat upon RCB—much like the one GT handed to CSK. SRH will require a victory margin of anywhere between 87 and 89 runs. However, this will be no easy feat; to date, the Orange Army has secured a massive victory against RCB only once, and matches between the two teams are typically closely contested. SRH has won a total of 8 matches against RCB so far, yet on only one occasion has their margin of victory exceeded 50 runs—way back in 2019, when they won by 118 runs.
If SRH will chase
If Sunrisers Hyderabad is chasing, it will take them approximately 11 to 11.4 overs to reach their target; this will depend on the exact target and whether they score exactly the required runs or level the score and then seal the victory with a six.
However, RCB is also well aware of its own scenario; consequently, the in-form Royal Challengers Bengaluru side will be fully cognizant of exactly how many runs they need to score to secure a spot in the top two. The Gujarat Titans' victory has also dashed the Rajasthan Royals' hopes of a top-two finish.
