Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Rasikh Salam produced a sensational spell during IPL 2026 Qualifier 1, helping dismantle Gujarat Titans’ batting lineup in their massive 255-run chase at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala. The young fast bowler grabbed attention not only for his wickets but also for a stunning return catch to dismiss Nishant Sindhu during the Powerplay.
Chasing the highest total ever recorded in IPL playoff history, the Gujarat Titans suffered a disastrous start after the RCB posted a mammoth 254 for five, powered by Rajat Patidar’s explosive, unbeaten 93 off just 33 balls.
Rasikh Salam made an immediate impact in the sixth over when he removed Nishant Sindhu, who had scored just five runs from three deliveries. Bowling from around the wicket, Rasikh delivered a sharp short-of-length ball that forced the left-hander into an awkward chip straight back toward the bowler. Showing excellent reflexes, Rasikh dived forward and completed a brilliant caught-and-bowled dismissal.
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The over became even more damaging for the Gujarat Titans as Jason Holder also fell moments later. Rasikh used a clever cross-seam short ball to outfox the West Indies all-rounder, who mistimed his pull shot straight to Josh Hazlewood at long-on for a three-ball duck.
The young pacer capped off a dream over by bowling a double-wicket maiden, further tightening RCB’s grip on the knockout clash.
Playing 𝙗𝙤𝙡𝙙, and how! 🎥
🎥 Rasikh Dar with a fantastic catch off his own bowling 👏
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Gujarat Titans collapsed to 51 for five at the end of the Powerplay, with the enormous required run rate adding extra pressure on their struggling batting lineup. Earlier, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and the RCB attack had already removed Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill cheaply to put GT immediately on the back foot.
At 83 for seven after 11 overs, the Gujarat Titans were staring at a heavy defeat, with Rahul Tewatia and Kagiso Rabada left attempting to rebuild a nearly impossible chase.
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The winner of Qualifier 1 will secure a direct place in the IPL 2026 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, while the losing side will get another opportunity in Qualifier 2 against the winner of the SRH vs RR Eliminator.
