Sooryavanshi’s 97 And Archer’s Fire Propel Rajasthan Royals Into IPL 2026 Qualifier 2

Sooryavanshi’s 97 And Archer’s Fire Propel Rajasthan Royals Into IPL 2026 Qualifier 2 Rajasthan Royals stormed into Qualifier 2 of IPL 2026 after a 47 run win over Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh. Fifteen year old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi produced a breathtaking 97 as Royals piled up 243 for 8, before Jofra Archer ripped through SRH’s top order to seal a convincing victory.

Sooryavanshi’s Six Laden Knock

Sent out to open, Sooryavanshi unleashed one of the most destructive innings seen in an IPL knockout, smashing 97 off just 28 or 29 balls depending on the report, with five fours and 12 sixes. At one stage he was tracking ahead of Chris Gayle’s famous 2013 tempo and, with his seventh six of the evening, he also broke Gayle’s 14 year old record for most sixes in a single IPL season. His onslaught gave Royals a flying start and rattled SRH’s attack, leaving even wickets at the other end unable to drag the total below 240.

Middle Order Support And Big Total

While Sooryavanshi dominated headlines, Dhruv Jurel’s composed 50 in the middle overs ensured RR capitalised on the early assault. The Royals innings eventually closed at 243 for 8, with SRH seamer Praful Hinge returning figures of 3 for 54 and providing rare resistance from the bowling side. The scoreline put Rajasthan in control at the halfway mark and left Sunrisers needing a record chase in a high pressure knockout contest.

Archer Breaks SRH Backbone

Chasing 244, SRH’s hopes rested on their power packed top order, but Archer struck early to disrupt any platform. Bowling with pace consistently above 150 kilometres per hour, he removed Abhishek Sharma with a steep bouncer and then sent back Ishan Kishan and another key batter as Hyderabad slipped behind the rate. Ravindra Jadeja tightened the squeeze in the middle overs with 3 for 21, and SRH were eventually bowled out for 196 in 19.2 overs.

Royals Look Ahead To Titans Test

With this win, Rajasthan Royals have booked a meeting with Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2, staying alive in the race to reach the IPL 2026 final. The Eliminator performance reinforces the franchise’s faith in a blend of young Indian talent like Sooryavanshi and experienced overseas match winners such as Archer, as they prepare for another high stakes knockout.

Eliminator Night Highlights

• Teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed 97 off 28–29 balls with 12 sixes for RR.
• His seventh six of the innings took him past Chris Gayle’s single season sixes record.
• Dhruv Jurel added a crucial 50, helping Rajasthan Royals post 243 for 8 in 20 overs.
• Sunrisers Hyderabad were bowled out for 196 in 19.2 overs, losing by 47 runs.
• Jofra Archer returned 3 for 58, tearing through SRH’s top order with sustained high pace.
• Ravindra Jadeja supported with 3 for 21 as Royals advanced to face Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 2.

Sources: DD News match, IANS, The Print, Firstpost, Times of India