Vaibhav Sooryavanshi smashed his way to a rapid 103 off 36 balls as Rajasthan Royals piled up 228 for six against Sunrisers Hyderabad in an IPL 2026 clash on Saturday. The 15-year-old delivered a brutal follow-up to three quick fifties in his build-up, striking with power and timing while RR played their opening match of the season at Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Quick facts
- Rajasthan Royals: 228/6 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2026
- Vaibhav Sooryavanshi: 103 off 36 balls, third-fastest IPL century
- Sooryavanshi strike output: 12 sixes and five fours (37 balls total)
- Partnerships: 40 in 14 balls (opening wicket) and 112 for the second wicket with Dhruv Jurel
- Dhruv Jurel: 51 off 35 balls with eight fours and two sixes
- SRH key bowlers mentioned: Sakib Hussain (1/62), Eshan Malinga (2/38), Pat Cummins (4-0-27-1)
Sooryavanshi’s innings began with intent and momentum from the outset. He punished Praful Hinge for two maximums on the on side and two down the ground during the closing phase of the first over, setting a tempo RR could build on immediately.
From there, the youngster kept finding gaps and carting balls with the long handle. He rarely let a loose ball pass, scoring from both sides of the wicket as Rajasthan pushed forward with two solid early stands that kept the pressure on SRH throughout the power phase.
The first wicket stand was particularly quick: RR added 40 runs in just 14 deliveries, largely fueled by Sooryavanshi’s acceleration. He then anchored the second-wicket momentum, forging a 112-run partnership with Dhruv Jurel, who contributed 51 off 35 balls featuring eight boundaries and two sixes.
Sooryavanshi’s third-fastest century arrived in style as well. He reached the landmark with a six off Sakib Hussain on his 36th ball, moving into the record books behind only his own 35-ball hundred from the previous year and Chris Gayle’s 30-ball ton for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in April 2013.
However, the fireworks ended abruptly right after the century. Once he completed his ton, Sooryavanshi went for a scoop off Hussain, mistimed the shot, and was trapped leg-before to bring an end to the most destructive spell of the innings.
There was also a slice of fortune in the way the wicket fell. Hussain had two difficult chances during his follow-through that did not stick, meaning Sooryavanshi was spared briefly before the eventual LBW call.
Where SRH tried to intervene
Sunrisers managed to remove Yashasvi Jaiswal for 10 early, but they made another misstep when they had an opening to strike. In the fifth over, Eshan Malinga created the chance to dismiss Sooryavanshi, yet the execution went wrong.
On that occasion, Sooryavanshi looked to heave a length ball toward the on side and mistimed it. Aniket Reddy sprinted in from deep midwicket, but the ball popped out of his hands for a costly drop.
Even after that let-off, Sooryavanshi kept the scoreboard moving and completed his fifty in 15 balls, finishing the stretch with another six—this time in the sixth over off Hussain. The acceleration continued to build RR’s total and left SRH scrambling for answers.
Rajasthan’s innings also received a late boost from Donovan Ferreira. He struck a quick 33 off 16 balls, laced with three sixes and three fours, adding momentum in the latter overs as RR consolidated their charge.
For SRH, Pat Cummins returned with a strong spell of 4-0-27-1. His wicket was Riyan Parag for 7, as Cummins delivered the kind of control SRH needed, even though the overall chase never looked reachable once Sooryavanshi had taken over.
