Sunrisers Hyderabad’s aggressive batting approach finally met a stronger counterattack as Rajasthan Royals produced a complete performance in the IPL 2026 Eliminator. A sensational 97 from teenage batter Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and a clinical bowling effort helped RR secure a commanding 47-run win and move into Qualifier 2, while SRH’s campaign ended in disappointment.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi powers Royals to massive total
Rajasthan Royals unleashed chaos from the very beginning after being asked to bat first. Yashasvi Jaiswal gave the innings early momentum with a quick 29, but it was Vaibhav Sooryavanshi who completely changed the game with one of the most destructive knocks of the season. The youngster hammered 97 off just 29 deliveries, smashing 12 boundaries and five sixes at a strike rate above 334.
Vaibhav’s fearless assault dismantled the SRH bowling attack and pushed Rajasthan into a dominant position inside the powerplay itself. After his dismissal, Dhruv Jurel carried the momentum forward with a blistering 50 off only 21 balls. Contributions from Riyan Parag and Donovan Ferreira ensured RR finished with a gigantic 243/8 in 20 overs.
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Pat Cummins picked up four wickets for Hyderabad, but the rest of the attack struggled badly under pressure. RR consistently found boundaries and never allowed SRH bowlers to regain control.
SRH collapse ends playoff hopes
Chasing 244, Sunrisers Hyderabad needed a flying start but instead lost Abhishek Sharma for a duck in the opening over. Travis Head and Ishan Kishan looked dangerous briefly but failed to convert their starts into match-defining innings.
Qualifier 2 is officially locked in!
One final hurdle to the summit clash ️#TATAIPL | #Qualifier2 | #TheFinalLeap | #GTvRR pic.twitter.com/y73BAkfWXC
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 27, 2026
Nitish Reddy attempted to revive the chase with an aggressive 38, while Salli Arora and Shivang Kumar added late resistance. However, RR bowlers maintained control throughout the innings and kept striking at regular intervals.
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Jofra Archer delivered key breakthroughs, while Ravindra Jadeja, Nandre Burger and Sushant Mishra chipped in with crucial wickets. SRH were eventually bowled out for 196 in 19.2 overs, ending their IPL 2026 journey as Rajasthan Royals marched ahead with confidence in the playoffs.
