GUWAHATI, APR 7 (PTI): In a rain-curtailed Indian Premier League (IPL) clash at Guwahati’s Barsapara Stadium, Rajasthan Royals (RR) outclassed Mumbai Indians (MI) by 27 runs in an 11-overs-per-side contest. Persistent showers delayed the start by more than two and a half hours, but once play resumed, RR seized control with a blistering batting display.
Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and 15-year-old debutant Vaibhav Sooryavanshi set the tone with an explosive partnership, hammering 80 runs in just five overs. Jaiswal, showcasing maturity and flair, remained unbeaten on 77 off 32 balls, while Sooryavanshi stunned the crowd with a fearless 39 off 14 deliveries. His audacious strokeplay included two sixes against Jasprit Bumrah in his very first over, a remarkable feat for a teenager making his IPL debut. Their fireworks propelled RR to a formidable 150/3 in the shortened format.
Chasing 151, MI faltered under pressure. Despite brief resistance from Sherfane Rutherford (25) and Naman Dhir (25), the batting lineup collapsed against disciplined RR bowling. Sandeep Sharma (2/26), Ravi Bishnoi (2/25), and Nandre Burger (2/21) struck at regular intervals, ensuring MI never found momentum. The visitors eventually finished at 123/9 in their allotted overs, well short of the target.
The match highlighted RR’s aggressive intent and depth in both batting and bowling. Jaiswal reaffirmed his reputation as one of India’s brightest young talents, while Sooryavanshi’s fearless debut added a remarkable storyline to the contest. For MI, the defeat exposed vulnerabilities in their middle order and raised questions about their adaptability in high-pressure, rain-curtailed games.
Ultimately, RR’s comprehensive victory not only boosted their confidence early in the season but also sent a strong message to rivals about their explosive batting and sharp bowling arsenal. The rain may have shortened the game, but it did nothing to dampen RR’s dominance, as they outclassed MI in every department to secure a memorable win.
Brief scores:
Rajasthan Royals: 150/3 in 11 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal not out 77, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi 39).
Mumbai Indians: 123/9 in 11 overs (Sherfane Rutherford 25, Naman Dhir 25; Sandeep Sharma 2/26, Ravi Bishnoi 2/25, Nandre Burger 2/21).
