A masterclass in defensive bowling saw Rajasthan Royals comfortably dump Sunrisers Hyderabad out of IPL 2026. The Royals secured a comprehensive 47-run victory in the Eliminator clash at Chandigarh, booking their place in Qualifier 2.
Batting first on a tricky surface at the New International Cricket Stadium, the Royals posted a competitive total of 179/6. While several batters got starts, it was Sanju Samson's crucial 52 and a late-innings flourish from Dhruv Jurel (34* off 15) that gave RR a competitive score. Sunrisers Hyderabad's aggressive batting approach backfired entirely, as they were choked out for just 132 in 18.2 overs.
The Ashwin Spell of Magic
The chase was defined by the veteran Ravichandran Ashwin. Coming on to bowl in the powerplay, Ashwin mixed his lengths beautifully. He dismissed both SRH openers, Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head, within his first two overs, breaking the back of the Sunrisers' aggressive top order.
Ashwin ended with outstanding figures of 3 for 18 in his four overs, including 14 dot balls. The pressure forced SRH's middle order into desperate shots. Heinrich Klaasen hit a couple of sixes but holed out to deep midwicket off Sandeep Sharma for 28, effectively ending any hopes of a Sunrisers comeback.
Sunrisers Run Out of Fuel
Pat Cummins' side has been the talk of the tournament for their aggressive batting, but this wicket demanded patience. Once the top order fell, the team lacked a stabilizing anchor. Trent Boult and Yuzvendra Chahal supported Ashwin brilliantly, picking up two wickets apiece as SRH folded for 132.
With this victory, Rajasthan Royals move to Qualifier 2 where they will play the Gujarat Titans for a spot in the final. For Sunrisers Hyderabad, a brilliant run in IPL 2026 ends in disappointment.
"We knew 180 was a competitive score on this track. Ashwin was exceptional today, he read the conditions perfectly. Now we need to carry this momentum to Chandigarh for Qualifier 2." — Sanju Samson, RR Captain
The Royals will now face Gujarat Titans on May 29 in Qualifier 2 in what promises to be a thriller.