The IPL 2026 season delivered another thrilling match in Guwahati as Rajasthan Royals defeated Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets. The match featured big batting performances and a crucial bowling spell from Krunal Pandya that briefly brought RCB back into the contest.
Rajasthan Royals successfully chased a target of 202 runs in 18 overs to maintain their strong start to the season.
Match Result at a Glance
| Team | Score | Overs | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|
| RCB | 201/8 | 20 | 8 |
| RR | 202/4 | 18 | 4 |
Rajasthan Royals completed the chase comfortably with two overs remaining.
RCB Innings Highlights
Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted a competitive total of 201 runs in their 20 overs.
Virat Kohli provided early momentum with a quick 32 runs from 16 balls. His aggressive start helped RCB gain rhythm in the powerplay.
Captain Rajat Patidar then played the most important innings for RCB. He scored 63 runs from 40 balls and held the innings together during the middle overs.
Late contributions from Romario Shepherd and Venkatesh Iyer pushed the total beyond 200. Shepherd scored 22 runs from 11 balls while Venkatesh Iyer finished unbeaten on 29 from 15 balls.
RCB Key Batting Performances
| Player | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Rajat Patidar | 63 | 40 |
| Virat Kohli | 32 | 16 |
| Romario Shepherd | 22 | 11 |
| Venkatesh Iyer | 29* | 15 |
RCB’s total of 201 looked strong, but Rajasthan Royals produced an impressive chase.
RR Chase Led by Young Talent
Rajasthan Royals started their innings with great intent. Teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi played an explosive knock that quickly shifted the momentum.
He scored a stunning 78 runs from just 26 balls. His innings included eight fours and seven sixes and helped RR race ahead in the powerplay.
Sooryavanshi built a crucial partnership with Dhruv Jurel. The pair added 108 runs for the second wicket in only six overs, putting Rajasthan Royals in a dominant position.
RR Top Batting Contributions
| Player | Runs | Balls |
|---|---|---|
| Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | 78 | 26 |
| Dhruv Jurel | 81* | 46 |
The partnership placed RR firmly in control of the chase.
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Krunal Pandya’s Dramatic Double Strike
Left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya delivered one of the most dramatic moments of the match.
He first dismissed Vaibhav Sooryavanshi for 78. The batter tried to clear the boundary but was caught by Virat Kohli at long-on.
On the very next ball, Krunal struck again. Shimron Hetmyer attempted an attacking shot but was caught by Josh Hazlewood at short third man.
These two wickets on consecutive deliveries suddenly gave RCB some hope and briefly shifted the momentum.
Despite the breakthrough, Rajasthan Royals stayed calm and continued their chase.
What the Result Means for the Season
The match featured two teams that had both started the season strongly.
Rajasthan Royals had already won their first three matches and extended their winning streak to four games with this victory.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who had won their first two matches, suffered their first defeat of the season.
Key Moments That Decided the Match
| Moment | Impact |
|---|---|
| Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 78 off 26 | Gave RR a fast start in the chase |
| 108-run partnership with Dhruv Jurel | Put RR in full control |
| Krunal Pandya’s two wickets in two balls | Brought RCB briefly back into the game |
| Dhruv Jurel’s unbeaten knock | Guided RR to the target |
Rajasthan Royals eventually finished the chase at 202/4 in 18 overs.
The match once again showed the strength of RR’s young players and their ability to handle pressure during a big chase. Timely bowling moments and calm finishing helped them secure another important win in the IPL 2026 season.
