IPL 2026 Begins with Explosive Matches as Opening Week Delivers Thrillers; Full Schedule Ahead for Fans

Weekly Voice editorial staff
5 Min Read

The 2026 season of the Indian Premier League has kicked off in spectacular fashion, delivering high scoring contests, dramatic finishes, and dominant performances across multiple venues in India. Within the first six matches alone, fans witnessed totals above 200, rapid chases, tight finishes, and commanding victories that have already set the tone for what promises to be another electrifying tournament.

Opening Week Match Results

MatchVenueFirst InningsSecond InningsResult
RCB vs SRHBengaluruSRH: 201/9RCB: 203/4 (15.4 ov)RCB won by 6 wickets
MI vs KKRMumbaiKKR: 220/4MI: 224/4 (19.1 ov)MI won by 6 wickets
RR vs CSKGuwahatiCSK: 127RR: 128/2 (12.1 ov)RR won by 8 wickets
PBKS vs GTNew ChandigarhGT: 162/6PBKS: 165/7 (19.1 ov)PBKS won by 3 wickets
DC vs LSGLucknowLSG: 141DC: 145/4 (17.1 ov)DC won by 6 wickets
KKR vs SRHKolkataSRH: 226/8KKR: 161 (16 ov)SRH won by 65 runs

The opening match of the season saw Royal Challengers Bengaluru begin their campaign with an impressive six wicket victory over Sunrisers Hyderabad at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium. Chasing a challenging target of 202, Bengaluru reached 203 for four in just 15.4 overs, signaling strong batting form early in the tournament. The following evening in Mumbai, Mumbai Indians continued the high scoring trend by chasing down 221 against Kolkata Knight Riders, finishing at 224 for four in 19.1 overs in one of the most entertaining contests of the opening weekend.

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Rajasthan Royals delivered one of the most dominant performances so far by defeating Chennai Super Kings with eight wickets in hand at Guwahati, chasing down 128 in only 12.1 overs. Punjab Kings followed with a tense three wicket victory over Gujarat Titans at the New Chandigarh International Cricket Stadium after successfully chasing 163 in 19.1 overs. Delhi Capitals then secured a comfortable six wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow, reaching 145 for four in 17.1 overs after restricting their opponents to 141.

One of the biggest statements of the opening phase came from Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens, where they posted a massive 226 for eight against Kolkata Knight Riders. Their bowlers backed up the effort by dismissing Kolkata for 161 in just 16 overs, sealing a commanding 65 run victory that stands as the most dominant result of the tournament so far.

Looking ahead, the upcoming week promises another packed schedule of high intensity fixtures across major cricket venues. On April 3, Chennai Super Kings will face Punjab Kings at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. The action continues on April 4 with a double header, as Delhi Capitals take on Mumbai Indians in Delhi during the afternoon match, followed by Gujarat Titans facing Rajasthan Royals in Ahmedabad later in the evening.

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The weekend schedule continues on April 5 with Sunrisers Hyderabad meeting Lucknow Super Giants in Hyderabad in the afternoon fixture, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru will clash with Chennai Super Kings in the evening encounter at Bengaluru. On April 6, Kolkata Knight Riders return to action against Punjab Kings at Eden Gardens. Rajasthan Royals then host Mumbai Indians in Guwahati on April 7, followed by Delhi Capitals facing Gujarat Titans in Delhi on April 8.

Upcoming Schedule:

  • April 3: Chennai Super Kings vs. Punjab Kings (Chennai)
  • April 4: Delhi Capitals vs. Mumbai Indians (Delhi – Afternoon) & Gujarat Titans vs. Rajasthan Royals (Ahmedabad – Evening)
  • April 5: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Lucknow Super Giants (Hyderabad – Afternoon) & Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs. Chennai Super Kings (Bengaluru – Evening)
  • April 6: Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Punjab Kings (Kolkata)
  • April 7: Rajasthan Royals vs. Mumbai Indians (Guwahati)
  • April 8: Delhi Capitals vs. Gujarat Titans (Delhi)
  • April 9: Kolkata Knight Riders vs. Lucknow Super Giants (Kolkata)
  • April 10: Rajasthan Royals vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Guwahati)

The week concludes with two more key fixtures that could shape early standings momentum. Kolkata Knight Riders will meet Lucknow Super Giants at Eden Gardens on April 9, while Rajasthan Royals take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Guwahati on April 10. With several teams already showing strong batting depth and aggressive intent, the next round of matches is expected to further define early contenders in the race toward the playoffs.

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