Gujarat Titans booked their place in the IPL 2026 final with a dominant seven-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 at the PCA Stadium in Mullanpur on Friday. Led by a magnificent century from captain Shubman Gill and a blistering half-century from Sai Sudharsan, GT chased down a daunting target of 215 with eight balls to spare and set up a title clash against defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Sunday.
After winning the toss, Rajasthan Royals opted to bat first but suffered early setbacks. Mohammed Siraj struck in the opening over to dismiss Yashasvi Jaiswal for just one, while Kagiso Rabada removed Dhruv Jurel for 7 to leave RR under pressure.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Ravindra Jadeja then launched a counterattack, stitching together a crucial partnership. Jadeja looked in excellent touch before retiring hurt on 34 off 19 balls due to discomfort. Riyan Parag briefly added momentum with a quick cameo before Jason Holder removed him, and the all-rounder struck again to dismiss Dasun Shanaka soon after. Prasidh Krishna also chipped in with the wicket of the promoted Jofra Archer.
Jadeja later returned to the crease and combined effectively with Sooryavanshi, who continued his sensational form. The young opener made the most of a reprieve on 46 and raced to another half-century before falling agonisingly short of a century. Rabada eventually dismissed him for a superb 96 off 47 balls.
A late flourish from Donovan Ferreira, who smashed 38 off just 11 deliveries, along with Jadeja’s unbeaten 45, powered Rajasthan Royals to a challenging total of 214/6.
In reply, Gujarat Titans got off to a flying start through Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill. The opening duo dominated the Royals’ bowling attack from the outset, adding runs at a rapid rate and bringing up their respective half-centuries with ease.
The pair put together a match-defining 167-run opening stand before Sudharsan’s outstanding knock came to an unfortunate end through a hit-wicket dismissal. Gill, however, carried on unfazed and produced a captain’s innings when it mattered the most.
The GT skipper smashed a brilliant century, scoring 109 off just 53 deliveries, to all but seal the contest. Washington Sundar contributed a handy cameo before Jos Buttler and Rahul Tewatia calmly completed the chase.
With the comprehensive win, Gujarat Titans advanced to the IPL 2026 final, where they will take on Royal Challengers Bengaluru in a blockbuster showdown for the title.
