RR vs RCB: The Rajasthan Royals continued their flawless run, making it four wins out of four with another dominant performance, this time comfortably chasing down 202 in Guwahati with six wickets in hand and two overs remaining. Once their openers found rhythm, the result rarely looked in doubt, as a ferocious start from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and a composed, match-winning finish from Dhruv Jurel sealed the deal.
To their credit, Royal Challengers Bengaluru had moments where they stayed competitive. A 200-plus total, early wickets, and a brief resurgence in the middle overs gave them some hope. But the game effectively slipped away during the power play itself, as RR stormed to 97/1 in six overs, their highest-ever powerplay score, leaving RCB
chasing shadows despite Josh Hazlewood returning to the side.
Sooryavanshi Sets The Tone Early On
There's aggressive batting, and then there's the kind of fearless dominance Sooryavanshi is displaying. The 15-year-old prodigy once again lit up the chase with a breathtaking 50 off just 15 balls, smashing seven sixes at a strike rate nearing 300. It wasn't reckless hitting-it was controlled aggression, showcasing a wide range of strokes against every bowler thrown at him, including seasoned names like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hazlewood.
While Sooryavanshi dismantled the attack, Jurel played the perfect supporting role early on, keeping things steady without unnecessary risks. With 97 runs already on the board by the end of the power play, the chase was virtually decided.
Even when Krunal Pandya struck twice in quick succession to remove Sooryavanshi and Shimron Hetmyer, RR remained firmly in control. Jurel adapted smartly, tightening his approach briefly before accelerating again to close out the game. His unbeaten 81 ensured there were no late hiccups, and his partnership with Ravindra Jadeja, worth 68 runs, quietly buried RCB's chances, even though Jadeja rode his luck at times.
Interestingly, the Orange Cap race is now being dominated by Rajasthan's batters, with Sooryavanshi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and Jurel occupying the top spots.
Patidar Shines But RCB Fall Short
After a delayed start, RCB were asked to bat first and had a shaky beginning, losing wickets at regular intervals. Jofra Archer struck early by removing Phil Salt, putting RR ahead. However, Virat Kohli responded with intent, counter-attacking during the powerplay with a quick 32 off 16 balls to keep RCB competitive.
But momentum didn't last. From a decent 61/3, RCB stumbled in the middle overs as Ravi Bishnoi struck twice, slowing the scoring rate and increasing pressure. At that point, the innings needed stability, and Rajat Patidar delivered exactly that.
Patidar's 63 off 40 balls was the backbone of RCB's innings. After a cautious start against spin, he opened up later, particularly targeting Nandre Burger to shift momentum back. A late flourish from Venkatesh Iyer, who remained unbeaten on 29, helped RCB cross the 200-mark.
Even so, the total felt slightly below par on a pitch that offered true bounce and value for shots. The slowdown through the middle overs ultimately cost RCB the cushion they needed against a batting lineup as explosive as Rajasthan's.
RR vs RCB: Brief Scores And Summary
Royal Challengers Bengaluru 202/6 (20 overs), Rajat Patidar 63 (40), Virat Kohli 32 (16), Venkatesh Iyer 29*; Rajasthan Royals 203/4 (18 overs), Dhruv Jurel 81*, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 50 (15).
Rajasthan Royals won by 6 wickets.
