IPL
Gill's century blitz overshadows Sooryavanshi heroics, sets up RCB-Gujarat IPL final
New Chandigarh/IBNS: Shubman Gill's magnificent century overshadowed another sensational innings from teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi as Gujarat Titans stormed into the final of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 with a convincing seven-wicket victory over Rajasthan Royals in Qualifier 2 on Friday.
Gujarat, chasing a daunting target of 215, reached 219/3 to set up a title clash against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who had already secured their place in the final.
Gill, Sudharsan Lay the Perfect Foundation
Gujarat captain Shubman Gill and opening partner Sai Sudharsan dismantled the Rajasthan bowling attack with a commanding 167-run opening stand.
Sudharsan played a fluent knock of 58 before suffering the misfortune of being dismissed hit-wicket.
Gill, however, continued his assault and registered his fifth IPL century, finishing unbeaten on 104 off just 53 deliveries.
His innings was studded with 15 fours and three sixes.
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi's Lone Battle
Earlier, Rajasthan Royals found themselves under pressure after losing wickets at regular intervals.
Teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi initially adopted a cautious approach but soon shifted gears, taking the Gujarat bowlers apart with a breathtaking display of strokeplay.
The 15-year-old scored a brilliant 96 off 47 balls but once again fell agonisingly short of a century, having suffered a similar disappointment in the Eliminator.
Ferreira's Late Blitz Powers Rajasthan
Rajasthan received a significant boost in the death overs from Donovan Ferreira, whose unbeaten 38 off just 11 balls featured two fours and four sixes.
His explosive cameo helped Rajasthan post a formidable total of 214/6 in their allotted 20 overs.
Gujarat Set for Final Showdown with RCB
Despite Rajasthan's strong total, Gujarat's top order ensured the chase never went off track.
With Gill leading from the front and Sudharsan providing solid support, the Titans completed the chase comfortably to book their place in the IPL 2026 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
The final will be played at Gujarat Titans' home ground Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.
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