In a thrilling high-stakes encounter at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur (New Chandigarh) on May 29, 2026, Gujarat Titans (GT) produced a clinical chase to defeat Rajasthan Royals (RR) by 7 wickets with 8 balls to spare. GT posted 219/3 in 18.4 overs while chasing a daunting target of 215, booking their spot in the IPL 2026 Final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
RR’s Explosive Start Falls Just Short
Rajasthan Royals, after opting to bat first, posted a competitive 214/6 in 20 overs. The innings was dominated by teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who smashed a blistering 96 off just 47 balls (including multiple boundaries and sixes). This was his second near-century in the playoffs, following a 97 in the Eliminator.
Sooryavanshi’s knock was marked by fearless power-hitting, though it was noted as his slowest fifty of the season (off 28-31 balls). He fell short of a well-deserved century but received a standing ovation. Support came from Ravindra Jadeja (unbeaten 45 off 35, despite a tennis elbow injury that forced a brief retirement) and Donovan Ferreira‘s explosive cameo of 38* off 11 balls.
For GT, Jason Holder (2/27) and Kagiso Rabada (2/35) were the pick of the bowlers, restricting RR from going even bigger on a surface that offered some early challenges.
Gill’s Captain’s Knock Lights Up the Chase
Gujarat Titans’ response was nothing short of spectacular. Skipper Shubman Gill delivered a majestic 104 off 53 balls, featuring elegant strokeplay, precise placement, and timed aggression (15 fours and 3 sixes). He reached his century in just 47 balls — the fastest hundred in IPL playoff history and the first by a captain in IPL knockouts.
Gill formed a record-breaking 167-run opening partnership with Sai Sudharsan (58 off around 31 balls), setting a blistering platform. This stand is among the highest in IPL playoff history. The duo’s chemistry, now boasting multiple century partnerships, dismantled RR’s bowling attack.
Later, Washington Sundar and Rahul Tewatia provided the finishing touches, with Tewatia sealing the win in style with a six. Gill eventually fell LBW to Jofra Archer on 104, but the job was nearly done.
Key Records and Moments
- Highest successful chase in GT’s IPL history and one of the highest in playoff cricket.
- Gill became the first batter with multiple IPL playoff centuries.
- Sooryavanshi’s season stats highlighted his breakout: massive run tally at an extraordinary strike rate, breaking records for sixes.
- The match featured a controversial re-toss mention in some reports, adding drama to the high-pressure night.
Post-Match Implications
Gujarat Titans advance to their third final in recent seasons, showcasing depth, composure under pressure, and world-class batting. Rajasthan Royals’ campaign ends despite Sooryavanshi’s heroics — a bittersweet end for the young star who carried the side through the playoffs.
Player of the Match: Shubman Gill for his match-defining century.
This Qualifier 2 clash will be remembered for two young stars lighting up the night — one for a valiant near-ton in a losing cause, and the other for a captain’s masterclass that propelled his team to the grand finale. The stage is now set for an exciting IPL 2026 Final in Ahmedabad!
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