LIVEIPL 2026 LIVE: Hazlewood brings the first breakthrough, RCB post 201/8 as Patidar leads recovery, Venkatesh Iyer gives a strong impact , Check all updates here

Hazlewood strikes

Josh Hazlewood struck early to give RCB a crucial breakthrough, dismissing the in-form Yashasvi Jaiswal for 13 off 8 balls. Bowling a short-of-length cross-seam delivery outside off, Hazlewood induced a mistimed cut shot from Jaiswal. The ball took the outside edge and was safely collected by wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma, who dived sharply to his left. Returning to the playing XI, Hazlewood made an immediate impact, removing a dangerous opener in his very first over.

RCB crosses 200 despite setbacks

Royal Challengers Bengaluru recovered strongly to post 201/8 in 20 overs after early setbacks against Rajasthan Royals. Rajat Patidar anchored the innings with a composed 63 off 40 balls, while late contributions from Romario Shepherd (22), Venkatesh Iyer (29*), and Bhuvneshwar Kumar (9*) boosted the total past 200. Earlier, Virat Kohli (32) and Devdutt Padikkal (14) provided a quick start before wickets slowed momentum. Rajasthan’s bowlers shared the wickets, with Jofra Archer, Ravi Bishnoi, and Brijesh Sharma picking up two each. Chasing a revised target of 187, Rajasthan Royals face a competitive challenge ahead.

RR makes a strong comeback

Royal Challengers Bengaluru slipped into trouble at 94/6 in 11 overs after a strong start, with their run rate dropping to 8.55. Virat Kohli’s aggressive 32 and Devdutt Padikkal’s quick 14 initially set the tone, but Rajasthan Royals pulled things back with timely wickets. Jofra Archer led the attack with two key dismissals, while Ravi Bishnoi and Brijesh Sharma provided crucial breakthroughs. The middle order collapsed under pressure, including the wicket of Tim David for 13. Rajat Patidar remains at the crease, but RCB now rely heavily on their lower order to post a competitive total.

Virat Kohli departs

Royal Challengers Bengaluru made a brisk start, reaching 58/3 in 4.5 overs with an impressive run rate of 12. Virat Kohli led the charge with a fluent 32 off 16 balls, supported by Devdutt Padikkal’s quick 14 off 7. However, early strikes from Jofra Archer, who picked up two key wickets, including Philip Salt, put RCB under pressure. Ravi Bishnoi also chipped in with a wicket, dismissing Kohli. Despite the setbacks, RCB maintained momentum through aggressive stroke play. With several power hitters yet to bat, they remain well-placed to post a competitive total.

RR playing XI

Yashasvi Jaiswal, Dhruv Jurel(w), Riyan Parag(c), Shimron Hetmyer, Donovan Ferreira, Ravindra Jadeja, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger, Sandeep Sharma, Ravi Bishnoi, Brijesh Sharma.

RCB playing XI

Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Abhinandan Singh, Josh Hazlewood.

Toss update

In the Guwahati clash, Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag won the toss and elected to bowl first against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The toss was delayed to 8:00 PM IST due to a wet outfield. Parag cited the recent rain and expected surface moisture as the primary reasons for chasing. Rajasthan brought in Brijesh Sharma for Tushar Deshpande, while RCB welcomed back Josh Hazlewood, replacing Jacob Duffy in their starting XI.

Rain disrupts the planning

Rain in Guwahati forced a 70-minute delay, pushing the start to 8:40 PM. The moisture-heavy conditions influenced Rajasthan Royals’ captain Riyan Parag to bowl first, seeking to exploit early movement. While the efficient drainage system preserved the full 20-over format, the interruption disrupted the players' rhythm and pre-match routine. The damp outfield also heightened the "dew factor," complicating things for bowlers while favouring the chasing side. Despite the initial drizzle and multiple cover changes, the high-stakes battle between the unbeaten RR and RCB is now live, albeit under humid, challenging conditions for the fielding side.

Pitch report

At the ACA Stadium in Guwahati, the Rajasthan Royals have enjoyed strong success this season, winning both matches played at the venue. The pitch, previously used against the Mumbai Indians, remains consistent with balanced dimensions and a history slightly favouring teams defending totals. Cricbuzz experts, including Michael Clarke, describe the surface as hard, dry, and ideal for batting, offering true pace and bounce. Batters are expected to capitalise during the powerplay, while bowlers must rely on variations to succeed. With no dew or rain forecast, conditions appear even for both innings, though captains may still prefer batting first.