Rajasthan Royals continued their dominant run with a commanding 6-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 16 of IPL 2026 at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on April 10.
Despite a fighting half-century from RCB skipper Rajat Patidar and a late flourish from Venkatesh Iyer, a record-breaking powerplay explosion from teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and a clinical finish by Dhruv Jurel saw RR chase down 202 with two overs to spare.
Match Summary: RR vs RCB, IPL 2026 Match 16
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| RCB Score | 201/8 (20 overs) |
| RR Score | 202/4 (18 overs) |
| Match Result | RR won by 6 wickets (12 balls left) |
| Best Batting (RR) | Dhruv Jurel – 81* off 43 balls |
| Best Bowling (RR) | Ravi Bishnoi – 2/32 in 4 overs |
| Venue | Barsapara Cricket Stadium, Guwahati |
RCB Innings: 201/8 in 20 Overs
After being put in to bat, RCB suffered an immediate blow as Phil Salt fell for a golden duck to Jofra Archer. Virat Kohli (32 off 16) and Devdutt Padikkal (14 off 7) briefly counter-attacked, but RR’s spinners tightened the screws. Ravi Bishnoi (2/32) and Brijesh Sharma (2/37) struck crucial blows, leaving RCB struggling at 94/6.
Captain Rajat Patidar anchored the recovery with a resilient 63 off 40 balls, finding support in Venkatesh Iyer, who played a blistering cameo of 29 off 15 balls* as the Impact Player. Their efforts pushed RCB past the 200-mark, though the total felt slightly under par on a high-scoring Guwahati deck.
RCB Innings At A Glance
| Details | RCB Innings |
|---|---|
| Total | 201/8 in 20 overs |
| Powerplay | 68/3 (0–6 overs) |
| Top Scorer | Rajat Patidar – 63 off 40 balls |
| Best Partnership | Patidar & V. Iyer – 41 runs |
| Best Bowling (RR) | Ravi Bishnoi – 2/32 (4 overs) |
RR Chase: 202/4 in 18 Overs
The Rajasthan Royals’ chase was defined by one of the most explosive powerplays in IPL history. Impact Player Vaibhav Sooryavanshi stunned the crowd, smashing 78 off just 26 balls at a strike rate of 300.00. He reached his fifty in a mere 15 balls, dismantling the RCB attack and putting RR in a winning position within the first 8 overs.
Following a mini-collapse where Krunal Pandya (2/30) removed Sooryavanshi and Hetmyer in quick succession, Dhruv Jurel took total control. Jurel remained unbeaten on 81 off 43 balls*, showcasing immense maturity and power to guide the Royals home. He shared a steadying 68-run stand with Ravindra Jadeja (24*) to ensure there were no further hiccups.
RR Chase At A Glance
| Details | RR Chase |
|---|---|
| Target | 202 runs |
| Total | 202/4 in 18 overs |
| Powerplay | 97/1 (0–6 overs) |
| Top Scorer | Dhruv Jurel – 81* off 43 balls |
| Best Bowling (RCB) | Krunal Pandya – 2/30 (4 overs) |
Key Highlights: The Powerplay Blitz and the Finisher’s Touch
- The Sooryavanshi Storm: 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s 26-ball 78 effectively ended the contest in the powerplay, leaving RCB with no room to recover.
- Dhruv Jurel’s Masterclass: While Sooryavanshi provided the fire, Jurel provided the ice, finishing the game with a career-best 81* at a strike rate of 188.37.
- Spin Control: On a batting paradise, Ravi Bishnoi’s economy of 8.00 and two key wickets proved vital in keeping RCB to a reachable total.
Player of the Match
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (RR): Awarded for his breathtaking 78 off 26 balls. His record-breaking aggression in the powerplay fundamentally shifted the momentum of the game and made a 200+ chase look effortless for the Royals.
