IPL: Rajasthan Royals storm into IPL playoffs as KKR crash out

Jofra Archer powers Rajasthan Royals into IPL playoffs

Rajasthan Royals defeated Mumbai Indians by 30 runs at the Wankhede Stadium to seal a playoff spot and set up an Eliminator clash with Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Batting first on a slow pitch, RR struggled early after losing both openers cheaply and slipping to 54 for 3.

Momentum returned through Dasun Shanaka's quick 29 and a steadying knock from Dhruv Jurel, but the real boost came late when Jofra Archer was promoted up the order. He smashed 32 off 15 balls, including three sixes, turning a rebuilding effort into a strong finish. RR surged past 200 thanks to a strong death-overs push.

Mumbai's chase collapsed early under Archer's new-ball burst. He removed Rohit Sharma and Naman Dhir with two sharp, contrasting deliveries as RR reduced MI to 24 for 3 inside the powerplay.

A brief fightback followed through Suryakumar Yadav, Will Jacks, and Hardik Pandya, with Pandya especially threatening a late comeback.

However, Archer returned at a crucial moment and ended Pandya's charge with a hard-length delivery caught in the deep.

That breakthrough effectively sealed the match, and RR closed out a commanding win to confirm their place in the playoffs.

Delhi Capitals end season with win as KKR crash out at Eden Gardens

Delhi Capitals finished their IPL campaign with a convincing 40-run win over Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, ending KKR's slim playoff hopes in the process.

KL Rahul set the tone for Delhi with a blistering 60 off 30 balls, giving them early momentum after they were asked to bat. Support came from captain Axar Patel (39 off 25) and David Miller, whose late hitting helped DC reach a strong 203/5.

KKR had moments of control in the field but struggled to contain Delhi's middle and late-order acceleration.

Chasing 203, KKR began brightly with Ajinkya Rahane anchoring the innings with 63 off 39 balls, while Finn Allen and Manish Pandey added early intent.

At 126/3, they were still in the hunt, but the game turned sharply. Lungi Ngidi struck key blows, finishing with 3/27, before Kuldeep Yadav dismantled the chase with back-to-back wickets of Rahane and Rinku Singh.

From there, KKR collapsed dramatically, losing their last seven wickets for just 37 runs and finishing on 163 in 18.4 overs.

Kuldeep Yadav (3/29), Ngidi, and Mitchell Starc (2/26) led a disciplined bowling effort that closed out Delhi's season on a high.

The result confirmed KKR's elimination from the playoff race, as Rajasthan Royals secured the final top-four spot.

Delhi end sixth in the table, while the tournament now moves into its knockout stage. 

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