RR defeated MI by 30 runs to join RCB, LSG and SRH in the playoffs.
Rajasthan Royals (MI) secured the fourth and final playoff spot in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 with a 30-run victory over Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Wankhede Stadium on Sunday (May 24).
Invited to bat first, the Royals posted 205/8 on the board. After Yashasvi Jaiswal’s 17-ball 27 at the top of the order, Dhruv Jurel anchored the innings with a solid 38 off 26 balls while Dasun Shanaka chipped in with a quickfire 29 off 15 deliveries.
Later, a tactical promotion for Jofra Archer paid off as he plundered 32 off 15 balls, combined with a finishing assault from Impact Player Ravindra Jadeja (19* off 11) and Nandre Burger (10* off 3) to take RR past the 200-run mark.
During the chase, Archer completely dismantled MI’s top-order, removing Rohit Sharma for a duck and Naman Dhir for 6. He also broke the dangerous 48-run partnership between Suryakumar Yadav (60 off 42) and Hardik Pandya (34 off 15) by dismissing the MI captain to return with impressive figures of 3/17.
Uncapped seam bowler Brijesh Sharma picked up the crucial wicket of Tilak Varma (3) with his very first delivery. He teamed up with young mystery spinner Yash Raj Punja and left-arm quick Burger to grab two wickets apiece, restricting MI to 175/9 in 20 overs.
The victory pushed RR to 16 points, eliminating Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals from playoff contention. Rajasthan Royals will now face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator on May 27.
Cricket fraternity lauded Jofra Archer's inspirational all-round effort and congratulated RR on reaching the playoffs.
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