In the Qualifier 2 match of IPL 2026, the Gujarat Titans played a magnificent brand of cricket, shattering the dreams of the Rajasthan Royals to secure their entry into the title clash. (Image X @BCCI)
New Chandigarh: In the Qualifier 2 match of IPL 2026, the Gujarat Titans played a magnificent brand of cricket, shattering the dreams of the Rajasthan Royals to secure their entry into the title clash. Batting first, the Rajasthan Royals posted a total of 214 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in their allotted 20 overs, while Vaibhav Suryavanshi narrowly missed out on a century for the third time in his last four matches.
On the pitch at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur, New Chandigarh—a true paradise for batsmen—Gujarat Titans openers Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan played with immense tactical astuteness. By executing clever ground shots, they forged a record-breaking 167-run partnership for the first wicket in just 12.5 overs, thereby sealing both the match and the Qualifier 2 victory in their favor. Shubman Gill notched up the fifth century of his IPL career; he was dismissed after scoring 104 runs off 53 balls, an innings studded with 15 fours and 3 sixes.
In reply, the Gujarat Titans got off to an extremely aggressive start. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan built a blistering 167-run partnership for the first wicket, bringing the match completely under Gujarat's control. Sai Sudharsan contributed 58 runs off 32 balls, an innings that included 8 fours and 1 six. However, he was dismissed 'hit-wicket' off the bowling of Brijesh Sharma in the 13th over. Following his dismissal, Captain Shubman Gill continued his onslaught, mercilessly punishing the Rajasthan bowlers. In his century-making innings, Gill struck 15 fours and 3 magnificent sixes.
By scoring 104 runs off just 53 balls, he all but guaranteed his team's victory. Jofra Archer eventually dismissed him LBW in the 15th over, but by that time, the match had already swung decisively in Gujarat's favor. In the middle order, Washington Sundar also made a quick-fire contribution, scoring 16 runs off just 9 balls. The Rajasthan Royals' bowling attack appeared quite ordinary in this match. Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, and Brijesh Sharma each claimed a wicket, but none of the bowlers could exert any significant pressure on the Gujarat batsmen. With this victory, the Gujarat Titans have secured a spot in the IPL 2026 final. Captain Shubman Gill's leadership and batting prowess infused new energy into the team, while the Rajasthan Royals' magnificent season came to an end with this defeat.
Earlier, displaying a brilliant batting performance against the Gujarat Titans, the Rajasthan Royals posted a total of 214 runs for the loss of 6 wickets in 20 overs. In this high-stakes encounter, the standout hero of the Rajasthan innings was young batsman Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who smashed 96 runs off just 47 balls in a blistering fashion. His innings featured 8 fours and 7 sixes. Suryavanshi adopted an aggressive approach right from the start and maintained constant pressure on the Gujarat bowlers.
However, Rajasthan got off to a very poor start. Yashasvi Jaiswal fell victim to Mohammed Siraj after scoring just 1 run. Subsequently, Dhruv Jurel also returned to the pavilion after scoring 7 runs, leaving the team down by two wickets within the first two overs. However, Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Ravindra Jadeja then steadied the innings, forging a magnificent 127-run partnership for the third wicket. Batting with composure, Jadeja scored an unbeaten 45 runs off 35 balls, an innings that included 5 fours and 1 six.
Rajasthan captain Riyan Parag also contributed a brisk 11 runs off 6 balls, while in the closing overs, Donovan Ferreira played an explosive cameo that completely swung the momentum of the match in Rajasthan's favour. Ferreira scored an unbeaten 38 runs off just 11 balls, smashing 2 fours and 4 sixes during his innings. Rajasthan scored runs rapidly in the final three overs, enabling the team to successfully cross the 200-run mark. For Gujarat Titans, Kagiso Rabada and Jason Holder claimed two wickets each.
Rabada delivered crucial breakthroughs while conceding 35 runs in his four overs, whereas Holder bowled economically to take two wickets for 27 runs. Mohammed Siraj and Prasidh Krishna claimed one wicket apiece. However, Rashid Khan proved to be quite expensive in this match, leaking 45 runs in just two overs.
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