GT Qualify for IPL 2026 Final, Beat RR in Qualifier 2
Chasing a formidable target of 215 runs, Gujarat's top order produced a masterclass in aggressive batting, spearheaded by an extraordinary ton from captain Shubman Gill and a classy half-century from his opening partner, Sai Sudharsan. The victory sets up a highly anticipated IPL 2026 Final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
The Gujarat Titans (GT) secured their place in the grand final of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) after a comprehensive victory over the Rajasthan Royals (RR) in Qualifier 2 at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium on Friday. Chasing a formidable target of 215 runs, Gujarat's top order produced a masterclass in aggressive batting, spearheaded by an extraordinary century from captain Shubman Gill and a classy half-century from his opening partner, Sai Sudharsan. The victory sets up a highly anticipated summit clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Sai Sudharsan Wicket Video: GT Opener Gets Out Hit-Wicket For 2nd Succesive Time in IPL 2026 Playoffs.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Fires Royals to Giant Total
Earlier in the evening, after being put in to bat first, the Rajasthan Royals recovered from early setbacks to post an imposing 214 for 6 in their allotted 20 overs. Top-order batsmen Yashasvi Jaiswal and Dhruv Jurel departed cheaply within the Powerplay, but teenage opener Vaibhav Sooryavanshi anchored the innings with a breathtaking counter-assault.
The 15-year-old southpaw dismantled the Gujarat bowling attack, smashing 96 runs off just 47 deliveries, including eight boundaries and seven maximums. Sooryavanshi found support from veteran all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who compiled a steady 45 before retiring hurt with a suspected hamstring injury. A late-innings cameo from Donovan Ferreira, who blazed a rapid 38 not out from 11 balls, provided the final flourish to cross the 200-run mark. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Becomes Fastest Indian To 1000 IPL Runs, Achieves Feat During GT vs RR Qualifier 2.
For the Titans, experienced seamers Kagiso Rabada (2/35) and Jason Holder (2/27) were the pick of the bowlers, successfully applying the brakes in the death overs despite an expensive spell from premier spinner Rashid Khan, who went wicketless.
Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan Secure Final Berth
The Titans' run chase began with ruthless intent, completely neutralizing Rajasthan's strike bowler Jofra Archer, who conceded 18 runs in his opening over. Opening batsmen Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan put together an incredible record-breaking opening stand (167), quickly bringing up their century partnership inside nine overs. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi Becomes First Player To Score 500 Powerplay Runs in Single T20 Tournament, Achieves Feat During IPL 2026 Qualifier 2.
Sudharsan anchored his end efficiently with a fluent 58 off 32 balls before falling to Brijesh Sharma. However, skipper Gill took absolute control of the proceedings. The Indian captain brought up his fifth career IPL century in style off just 47 deliveries, making it the fastest century ever recorded in an IPL playoff match.
Gill's calculated assault included 15 boundaries and 3 sixes, making the daunting 215-run target look remarkably comfortable, before falling to Jofra Archer inches away from finish line. However, with as many as seven wickets in hand and 8 balls to spare, Rahul Tewatia and Jos Buttler completed the formalities to seal a dominant victory. For RR, Archer, Burger and Brijesh Sharma claimed one-wicket apiece.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 29, 2026 11:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
