IPL 2026: Jofra Archer’s All-Round Brilliance Powers RR Into Playoffs, Knock PBKS Out

A sensational all-round effort by Jofra Archer and a fine bowling performance by bowlers helped Rajasthan Royals (RR) bag the final playoff spot, beating Mumbai Indians (MI) by 30 runs at Wankhede Stadium on Sunday.

With this win, RR reached a total of 16 points, displacing Punjab Kings (PBKS), who were there with 15 points. MI finishes at the ninth spot, with four wins and ten losses, giving them eight points.

With this win, the Rajasthan Royals have confirmed the eliminator clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Mullanpur on Wednesday.

In the run-chase of 206 runs, Jofra Archer started RR's defence with a bang, getting Rohit Sharma caught by Dhruv Jurel for a four-ball duck. MI was 0/1 in 0.4 overs.

RR pacers Nandre Burger and Jofra Archer continued to wreak havoc on MI top-order, removing Naman Dhir (six in five balls) and Ryan Rickelton (12 in seven balls, with a four and six) in quick succession, reducing MI to 24/3 in 3.2 overs.

“I wasn't expecting to bat so early. Because of the impact sub I hardly get to bat. When the coach said put the pads on, I was surprised. Well I class myself an allrounder. I'm very good right now, touchwood,” said Archer after the game.

Brijesh Sharma also joined the wicket-taking party, getting the crucial wicket of Tilak Varma (3), reducing MI to 38/4 in 5.1 overs.

MI ended their horrific power play at 49/4 courtesy a four from Will Jacks (9*) and Suryakumar Yadav (18*) unbeaten.

MI reached the 50-run mark in 6.1 overs. Jacks and Suryakumar Yadav continued to collect fours and sixes against spinners Ravindra Jadeja and Yash Raj Punja, completing the 50-run stand in 26 balls.

At the end of 10 overs, MI was 90/4, with Suryakumar (43*) and Jacks (25*) unbeaten. Courtesy a six by Jacks against Yash, MI reached the 100-run mark in 11.2 overs, but the Englishman was caught behind by Jurel on the next ball for 33 in 18 balls, with three fours and two sixes.

MI was 101/5 in 12.3 overs. Skipper Hardik Pandya, however, announced his arrival with two sixes against the spinner, taking MI's score to 116/5 in 12 overs.

Hardik continued to get fours against Burger and Dasun Shanaka, while Suryakumar managed to reach his second half-century of the season in 32 balls, with two fours an four sixes.

At the end of 15 overs, MI was 147/5, with Suryakumar (57*) and Hardik (33*) unbeaten.

Archer got his third wicket, removing Hardik for a 15-ball 34, with three fours and two sixes, and Yash got Corbin Bosch for two. MI was 152/7 in 16.3 overs.

Burger dimmed MI's hopes, getting Suryakumar caught and bowled for three fours and four sixes. MI was 157/8 in 17.4 overs. Brijesh got Deepak Chahar for a five-ball eight, reducing MI to 167/9 in 18.3 overs.

MI finished at 175/9 in 20 overs, with Shardul Thakur (10*) and Allah Ghazanfar (2*) unbeaten.

Archer (3/17) and Brijesh (2/26) delivered impressive four-over spells. Nandre Burger (2/43) and Yash Raj Punja (2/44) were also among the wickets.

Earlier, a comprehensive batting display from the Rajasthan Royals (RR) powered them to a commanding 205/8 in their Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against the Mumbai Indians (MI) on Sunday in Mumbai.

(With inputs from ANI)