Royals survive Rabada-Rashid scare to edge Titans in 414-run thriller

Rajasthan Royals held their nerve in a dramatic finish to defeat Gujarat Titans by six runs in a high-scoring IPL 2026 clash, successfully defending 210 in Ahmedabad.

Half-centuries from Dhruv Jurel (75) and Yashasvi Jaiswal (55) powered RR to a formidable total of 210 for 6 on a flat pitch that offered true bounce and value for shots. Their aggressive strokeplay set the tone, with both batters taking on pace and spin alike.

In response, GT appeared well on track thanks to Sai Sudharsan’s fluent 73, anchoring the chase alongside a strong top-order platform. At 127 for 2, the Titans were firmly in control before a decisive spell from Ravi Bishnoi turned the game.

Bishnoi struck twice in quick succession, removing Sudharsan and Washington Sundar to trigger a collapse where GT lost six wickets in a crucial middle-overs phase. His variations, especially the googly, proved difficult to read and shifted momentum sharply towards RR.

Yet, the match was far from over. Kagiso Rabada and Rashid Khan launched a stunning counterattack, reducing the equation to 15 off 12 and putting RR under immense pressure.

That’s when RR’s death bowling stood tall. Jofra Archer executed a superb penultimate over, mixing short balls and yorkers to deny boundaries, before Tushar Deshpande delivered a nerveless final over.

Deshpande nailed four consecutive yorkers under pressure, leaving GT with too much to do. A mistimed shot from Rashid sealed the game, with Archer completing the catch.

In a contest featuring 414 runs, it was RR’s composure in the final overs that proved decisive, handing them a thrilling victory.