Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered a high-scoring contest in Match 16 of IPL 2026 at the Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati, with momentum swinging sharply across both innings. After winning the toss, RR opted to bowl first — a decision that paid immediate dividends as RCB suffered an early collapse.
RCB endured a nightmare start, losing Phil Salt for a golden duck on the very first ball. Despite the early setback, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal attempted to stabilise the innings, with Kohli scoring an aggressive 32. However, regular wickets derailed RCB’s progress, reducing them to 94/6 at one stage. Just when things looked bleak, captain Rajat Patidar stepped up with a composed and impactful innings. His 63 off 40 balls helped RCB recover and post a competitive total of 201/8.
Chasing 202, the Rajasthan Royals came out with intent and aggression. The highlight of their powerplay was Dhruv Jurel’s explosive counterattack in the final over, where he smashed 24 runs off Abhinandan Singh, including three boundaries and two sixes. RR raced to 97/1 in the first six overs — their highest-ever powerplay score and also the best in IPL 2026 so far.
WATCH – Sandeep Sharma Strikes, Rajat Patidar Falls as RR Celebrate Late Breakthrough
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi led the charge early, playing a sensational knock of 78 off just 26 balls. Alongside Jurel, the duo stitched together a rapid 100-run partnership, taking RR to 129/1 in just eight overs and firmly placing them in control of the chase.
🚨 JUREL TAKES ON ABHINANDAN
4, 6, 4, 6, 4 — Dhruv Jurel in full flow.
Clean striking under pressure#RCBvsRR #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/roafrcIGqI— Ministry of Cricket (@MOCricket_) April 10, 2026
Dhruv Jurel joins the party as he smashed 24 runs in an over against Abhinandan 💥🔥#ipl2026 #RCB #RR pic.twitter.com/11FH2mnFnH
— Khel Cricket (@Khelnowcricket) April 10, 2026
However, the game took a dramatic turn in the 9th over when Krunal Pandya struck twice in consecutive deliveries. He first dismissed the dangerous Sooryavanshi before removing Shimron Hetmyer for a golden duck, reducing RR from 129/1 to 129/3 in no time.
WATCH – Ravi Bishnoi Cleans Up Virat Kohli To Dent RCB In Powerplay vs RR
Despite the sudden collapse, Jurel held his ground, while skipper Riyan Parag ensured stability by safely negotiating the hat-trick ball. With 70 runs required off 66 balls at that stage, RR still remained favourites, thanks to their strong start.
Earlier rain had delayed the start of the match, but a full 20-over contest was completed, setting up a thrilling encounter that kept fans engaged till the final phases.
