Rajasthan Royals delivered a clinical all-round performance to crush Sunrisers Hyderabad by 47 runs in the IPL 2026 Eliminator at Mullanpur’s New Chandigarh International Stadium on Wednesday. RR posted a formidable 243/8, led by a breathtaking 97 off just 29 balls from 15-year-old prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, before bowling out SRH for 196.
Sooryavanshi, the youngest star in IPL history, lit up the powerplay with explosive six-hitting, smashing 10 sixes and multiple boundaries in a knock that left SRH’s bowlers, including captain Pat Cummins, clueless. His innings powered RR to a flying start of 125/1 in under eight overs alongside Yashasvi Jaiswal. Though he fell three runs short of a century, the damage was done. Dhruv Jurel later provided a steady fifty to help set the imposing total.
In reply, SRH never truly got going against a disciplined RR attack. Jofra Archer and the Royals bowlers maintained pressure, restricting the chase as wickets tumbled regularly. The final nail came when Shivang Kumar was caught by Sooryavanshi himself at short third man, triggering wild celebrations in the RR camp. Fireworks lit up the sky as RR booked their spot in Qualifier 2 against unbeaten Gujarat Titans at the same venue.
Under young skipper Riyan Parag, Rajasthan Royals have hit peak form at the perfect time, riding a wave of belief and momentum. For SRH, it marks a disappointing end to their campaign despite earlier victories over RR this season.
Player of the Match Vaibhav Sooryavanshi said: “It feels amazing to contribute like this in such a big game. The team backed me, and I just tried to express myself.”RR now face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2 with a place in the final on the line — continuing their unbeaten run at this venue.
