Rajasthan Royals clinched the last remaining playoff place on Sunday, beating Mumbai Indians by 30 runs in a high-pressure IPL 2026 encounter at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. After winning the toss and batting first, the Royals put up 205/8, then held their nerve to restrict MI to 175/9 in the chase. The result not only sealed RR’s place in the knockout stage, but also ended the hopes of Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders, who were both effectively waiting to see whether MI would pull off a win. Rajasthan will now face Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator on Wednesday.
Why it mattered: RR’s qualification scenario
Rajasthan entered the match with 14 points from 13 games and knew they needed a victory to make the cut. By overcoming Mumbai Indians, RR ensured their direct qualification and, in the process, knocked out both Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders from playoff contention.
Key match details at Wankhede
- Venue and fixture: Wankhede Stadium, IPL 2026, must-win match for Rajasthan.
- Rajasthan Royals’ innings: 205/8 after being asked to bat first.
- Mumbai Indians’ chase: restricted to 175/9.
- Margin of victory: Rajasthan won by 30 runs.
Playoffs picture and schedule for IPL 2026
With the Royals’ qualification confirmed, the full knockout lineup was set. The inaugural champions were joined by the defending title holders Royal Challengers Bengaluru, along with Gujarat Titans and Sunrisers Hyderabad as the other teams through to the playoff stage.
Match order
- The playoffs begin on Tuesday with Qualifier 1, where Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Gujarat Titans.
- Rajasthan Royals then meet Sunrisers Hyderabad in the Eliminator on Wednesday.
- The winner of the Eliminator will move into Qualifier 2 to face the loser of the opening playoff match between RCB and GT.
