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TATA IPL 2026, Qualifier 2: GT vs RR – Match Report

30 May, 2026

TATA IPL 2026, Qualifier 2: GT vs RR – Match Report

29 May, 2026

TATA IPL 2026, Qualifier 2: GT vs RR – Match Report

Gill's Majestic Century and Sooryavanshi's 96 Highlight an Epic Qualifier 2 Clash as GT Reach the Final

The Gujarat Titans (GT) roared into the TATA IPL 2026 Final, pulling off a clinical 215-run chase to defeat the Rajasthan Royals (RR) by seven wickets in Qualifier 2 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. A sensational, masterclass century from captain Shubman Gill, alongside a blistering hand from Sai Sudharsan, entirely broke the back of Rajasthan's defence. Despite an incredible recovery led by Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and a dynamic late-innings flourish from Donovan Ferreira, the Royals' bowling unit found no answers to the Titans' relentless batting.

Rajasthan Royals won the toss and elected to bat first, but they faced immediate adversity. Kagiso Rabada (2 for 35) made significant early incursions, dismissing Yashasvi Jaiswal (1) and Dhruv Jurel (7) within the first two overs to leave RR reeling at 9 for 2.

However, young sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi orchestrated an extraordinary recovery. Showcasing exceptional maturity and brutal power, Sooryavanshi blasted a rapid 96 off 47 balls. His spectacular knock was laced with eight boundaries and seven towering sixes, although he fell agonisingly short of a playoff century for the second consecutive time. He was well-supported by veteran Ravindra Jadeja, who anchored the innings with a crucial 45 not out off 35 deliveries.

The middle order faltered under a disciplined choke from Jason Holder, who utilised his variations brilliantly to finish with figures of 2 for 27 in his four overs. Just when GT seemed to have the momentum, Donovan Ferreira unleashed absolute mayhem at the death. The South African powerhouse hammered a brutal 38 not out off just 11 balls, operating at an astonishing strike rate of 345.45. Ferreira took a heavy toll on Rashid Khan, who went wicketless for 45 runs in his two overs, looting 27 runs in the final over to rocket the Royals to a daunting 214 for 6.

Chasing 215 in a high-pressure knockout match is never easy, but the Gujarat Titans made it look like a stroll in the park. Captain Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan set the tone right from the outset.

Sudharsan provided dynamic early momentum, scoring an effortless 58 off 32 deliveries (8 fours, 1 six) before unluckily falling hit-wicket to Brijesh Sharma. However, the night undeniably belonged to Shubman Gill. The GT skipper was in sublime form, executing flawless inside-out lofts and pulling with absolute disdain. Gill soaked up the pressure and delivered a breathtaking century, finishing with 104 off 53 balls, embellished with 15 boundaries and 3 sixes. He scored at a blistering strike rate of 196.23 before finally being dismissed lbw by Jofra Archer (1 for 45).

Following Gill's departure, late cameos from Washington Sundar (16 off 9) and Rahul Tewatia (17* off 9) ensured there were no late hiccups. GT chased down the mammoth target comfortably, reaching 219 for 3 in just 18.4 overs. Shubman Gill was rightfully named Player of the Match for his outstanding 104 (53). He absorbed the pressure of a massive run chase and led from the front to take his team over the line.

This phenomenal victory catapults GT into the grand finale of TATA IPL 2026. They will now lock horns with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in a blockbuster clash for the championship title. Meanwhile, it is a heartbreaking end to an incredible season for RR. Despite fighting valiantly after a top-order collapse, their bowling failed to execute under the lights. They sign off with pride but will rue the missed opportunities.