Match Overview
In a high-scoring thriller at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) maintained their flawless start to the IPL 2026 season by chasing down a massive target of 202 against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). RR comfortably reached 202/4 with two overs to spare, handing them their fourth consecutive win of the tournament.
First Innings: Patidar Anchors RCB’s 201
After a rain-delayed start, Rajasthan opted to bowl first. RCB suffered an early blow with Phil Salt departing for a golden duck to Jofra Archer, but Virat Kohli (32 off 16) and Devdutt Padikkal temporarily stabilized the innings. Despite crucial strikes from Ravi Bishnoi (2/32) and Archer (2/33), RCB skipper Rajat Patidar held the innings together. Patidar played a brilliant captain's knock of 63 off 40 balls, and a quick-fire 29* off 15 balls from Venkatesh Iyer in the death overs pushed Bengaluru to a formidable 201/8.
The Run Chase: The Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Show
Faced with a 200+ target, Rajasthan’s chase was turbocharged by a historically explosive innings from 15-year-old sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The teenager smashed a 15-ball half-century—his second of the season—and ultimately blasted 78 off just 26 balls (8 fours, 7 sixes). His onslaught helped RR post a staggering 97/1 within the powerplay.
Jurel and Jadeja Finish the Job
Though Krunal Pandya briefly shifted momentum by taking two wickets in two balls (including Sooryavanshi and Shimron Hetmyer), RR’s middle order held firm. Dhruv Jurel anchored the remainder of the chase with a mature, unbeaten 81 off 43 balls. Supported by the experienced Ravindra Jadeja (24*), Jurel guided Rajasthan across the finish line in just 18 overs, securing a dominant 6-wicket victory.
