HIGHLIGHTS Mumbai Indians vs Rajasthan Royals IPL 2026 Match 69 - Result, Scorecard

Welcome back for MI's reply with the bat. Rohit Sharma is geared up and will come as the Impact Sub for the hosts, while Raghu Sharma is subbed out. He gets his bat checked with the gauge, which doesn't pass the test, and he picks another one that eventually goes through. He walks out with Ryan Rickelton to open for MI. Meanwhile, the RR players are in a huddle near the ropes with Riyan Parag pumping up his lads. Now, they spread out. Jofra Archer has the new ball in hand and is raring to go. Rohit to face the first ball. Here we go again...

... THE RUN CHASE ...

Looking ahead - Both captains at the toss felt the wicket would get better to bat on in the second innings. Going by what Deepak Chahar said, that does seem to have been the case during the second half of RR's innings. There was a bit of grip and turn for the spinners, not a lot, but enough to suggest this is slightly on the slower side. Remember, a win for Rajasthan Royals will seal their place in the playoffs, shutting the door on both Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders. A challenging task now awaits the Mumbai Indians as they look to bow out on a high and put smiles on the faces of the thousands in attendance on ESA Day. Back in a bit for the chase.

A quick word - Deepak Chahar says the conditions out there were extremely hot and humid, making it difficult to bowl back-to-back overs. On the pitch, Chahar feels the last 10 overs were much better for batting compared to the first half of the innings, suggesting that the surface eased out as the game progressed. Chahar also points out that the first 10 overs were played under extremely challenging conditions, whereas it has become a lot cooler and cloudier now.

Royals recover through the middle overs - Through the middle phase, RR found a useful partnership through Dasun Shanaka and Dhruv Jurel, with Shanaka taking on the role of aggressor while Jurel anchored things at the other end. Calamity struck with Shanaka's run out and from there, every time the Royals threatened to build momentum, MI managed to strike back. Jofra Archer was promoted and chipped in with a handy cameo, while contributions from Ravindra Jadeja and Nandre Burger at the back end helped RR finish strongly.

Early strikes for MI - Having opted to bowl first, MI came out well prepared with their plans against the two explosive RR openers. While Yashasvi Jaiswal managed to get a few big shots away before falling, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi took his time early on but followed his opening partner back to the hut soon after. Riyan Parag tried to put the pressure back on the bowlers, but his stay at the crease did not last long enough to shift the momentum.

A strong finish for the Royals - Up until the 14th over, MI seemed to have RR in check, but the last 6 overs went for 83 runs and allowed RR to push their total well beyond what looked likely at one stage. No fifty in the innings, with Dhruv Jurel top-scoring with 38, but apart from Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Shubham Dubey, there were useful contributions right down till number 10 for Rajasthan.

Shardul Thakur to Ravindra Jadeja, Takes pace off with a short ball, around off. Jadeja pulls it across to deep mid-wicket. Just a single to end the innings. 14 runs off the final over and the Rajasthan Royals finish at 205/8.

Shardul Thakur to Ravindra Jadeja, FOUR MORE! On a good length, pushed outside off by Thakur. Jadeja waits back and slaps it into the big gap in front of square on the off side. He puts it away between deep point and extra cover to find the fence.

Shardul Thakur to Ravindra Jadeja, FOUR! Smashes into the gap! Short of a length, angled outside off. Jadeja presses back and pulls it between long on and deep mid-wicket for a cracking four. This brings up the 200 for the Rajasthan Royals!

Shardul Thakur to Ravindra Jadeja, Caught, but won't count as Shardul has overstepped. Thakur slips out a high full toss, outside off. Jadeja reaches out for it and slaps it flatly off the toe end of the cover fielder where it is taken comfortably by Hardik Pandya. Free Hit coming up...

Shardul Thakur to Nandre Burger, Untidy in the field! Back of a length, around off. Burger pulls it off the inner half of the bat to the right of deep mid-wicket. Naman Dhir runs across but does not bend low enough to collect the ball, and it goes through. Suryakumar Yadav, from long on, backs it up and throws it to the bowler. But by then, the batters cross over for the third run. Shardul Thakur also fails to collect the throw, but the backup is there to prevent any other run.

Shardul Thakur to Ravindra Jadeja, Pulls the length back by a bit, outside off. Jadeja throws his bat at it, and square cuts it to deep point for just a single.

Shardul Thakur to Ravindra Jadeja, Jadeja shows his cards early as he shuffles outside off to scoop over short fine leg. Seeing that, Shardul pushes it wide outside off, full in length. Jadeja tries to adjust and angle it over short third, but is late by then and misses out.

Time for the final over. Shardul Thakur to close out the innings.

Corbin Bosch to Nandre Burger, SIX! These are crucial runs for the Royals! Bosch serves a genuine half volley, outside off. Nandre Burger gets under it nicely and pumps it downtown for a six. Clean strike from Nandre. 16 runs off the over.

Corbin Bosch to Ravindra Jadeja, Full and wide outside off. Jadeja drives it to the right of cover for a single.

Corbin Bosch to Ravindra Jadeja, FOUR! PUNISHED! Juicy full toss, outside off. Jadeja accepts it gleefully and smashes it to the right of the cover fielder and picks up a boundary.

Corbin Bosch to Ravindra Jadeja, Fantastic piece of running! Slightly back of a length, on the fourth stump line. Jadeja waits back and steers it to deep backward point. Naman Dhir throws it to the batting end, where Ryan Rickelton collects the ball with his back to the stumps, but isn't aware of Jadeja completing the second run. Had he broken the stumps, Jadeja could have been out by a yard or so. Hardik shows his frustration as well. A bit too casual from Rickelton.

Corbin Bosch to Nandre Burger, Wide yorker, outside off, Burger carves it to deep backward point for a single.

Corbin Bosch to Ravindra Jadeja, Full and around off, Jadeja drills it to mid off and hurries to the other end. Hardik picks the ball and releases a flat throw to the batting end but misses his shy.

Corbin Bosch to Ravindra Jadeja, Good review by Jadeja! On a length, going down the leg side. Jadeja shuffles a bit inside the line, crouches, and tries to help it behind, but misses out. Jadeja sends it upstairs for a review for a wide not given. UltraEdge comes up and shows a flat line. The on-field decision is overturned.

Nandre Burger is the new man in. Corbin Bosch to bowl the 19th over.

Shardul Thakur to Jofra Archer, OUT! CAUGHT! Shardul ends Archer's fun and another RR batter gets caught in the deep. Digs in a slower bouncer, on top of off and middle, does Thakur. Jofra Archer aims to muscle it downtown with a flat bat, but the connection goes all wrong for him. He fails to generate the power and timing, airing it straight. Tilak Varma runs to his left from long on and grabs it around his chest. Rajasthan Royals slip down to 175/8, with 12 legal balls remaining in the innings.

Shardul Thakur to Ravindra Jadeja, Short on leg, Jadeja presses back and pulls it to deep backward square leg for a single.

Drama! Kumar Sangakkara has marched out of the dugout and is engaged in a discussion with the fourth umpire, who appears to be explaining the situation to the RR head coach. The issue seems to revolve around Shardul Thakur's towel falling off. There was a case for a dead ball to be called with the towel falling off during the delivery stride, but not on this occasion and Shubham Dubey walks off. Ravindra Jadeja walks in as RR's Impact Sub, replacing Shubham Dubey.

Shubham Dubey is substituted by Ravindra Jadeja

Shardul Thakur to Shubham Dubey, OUT! MISTIMED AND CAUGHT! Good deception by Thakur on this occasion. He dishes out an off cutter, and bowls it fairly outside off, on a fractionally fuller length. Shubham Dubey is early into his shot and goes swinging across the line to heave it over deep mid-wicket. But ends up slicing it off the top edge. Naman Dhir comes charging in off the ropes by covering good ground. Sees the ball like a hawk and takes a fine running catch just outside the inner ring. Rajasthan Royals are 174/7.

Shardul Thakur to Jofra Archer, Gets away with it! Short and slow, outside off. Jofra climbs on it and slashes it a bit uppishly to deep point for a single.

Shardul Thakur to Jofra Archer, NO BALL AND FOUR! Going downhill for Shardul. He slips a high full toss, angling on the leg stump, and it is above the waist height. Not an ideal line at all with two fielders in the ring behind square on the leg side. Jofra Archer swings his bat hard and pins it between the short fine leg and backward square leg fielders for a boundary.

Shardul Thakur to Jofra Archer, SIX! A flat hit from Archer! Way too short by Thakur, on top of middle. Jofra Archer clears the front leg and pulls it flat and wide of the deep mid-wicket fielder for a cracking six. This is turning out to be a brilliant cameo from Archer.

Shardul Thakur to Shubham Dubey, Wide outside off, on a fuller length. Dubey slaps it down to long off for a single.

Shardul Thakur (2-0-13-0) has been called back into the attack.

Corbin Bosch to Shubham Dubey, Pitched outside leg, on a fuller length. Dubey gets a bit across in the crease to help it behind, but misses and the ball thuds the front pad before rolling wide of short fine leg for a leg bye.

Corbin Bosch to Jofra Archer, Full and outside off, Archer pumps it over the in-field, towards long off's right for a single.

Corbin Bosch to Jofra Archer, Just short! Perhaps the lack of timing saved Archer. A low full toss, around off. Jofra tries to clobber it over long off, but his bat twists at the point of contact. Tilak Varma comes charging in off the long off fence and dives forward, but the ball yorks his fingers and is deflected away. Two taken.

Corbin Bosch to Jofra Archer, SIX! High and long enough! Short of a length, angling in on middle. Archer hangs deep in the crease and pulls it over deep mid-wicket for a big six. He is enjoying his promotion here.

Corbin Bosch to Jofra Archer, Goes for the yorker, on off, Jofra Archer just manages to drop his bat down in time and gets an inside edge. The ball rolls through mid-wicket and they hustle for the second run as well. 150 UP FOR RAJASTHAN ROYALS!

Corbin Bosch to Shubham Dubey, From around the stump, Bosch hits the deck hard, on off. Shubham Dubey hangs back and punches it to the left of point for a single.

Corbin Bosch returns to the attack. 2-0-10-1 so far for Bosch.

Deepak Chahar to Jofra Archer, SIX! Just over! On a short of a good length, just outside off. Archer plays with a cross-batted angle and slaps it aerially to clear the long off fence. Suryakumar Yadav leaps to pluck the ball there. He does get his fingertips to the ball, but lands beyond the ropes. A six for Archer.

Deepak Chahar to Shubham Dubey, Archer was gone had the throw hit. Fuller in length, just outside off. Shubham Dubey pushes it with soft hands toward the mid off fielder. Dubey calls for a single, but Archer hesitates initially. However, he goes through eventually. The fielder has a shy at the batter's end, but misses and Archer gets home.

Deepak Chahar to Shubham Dubey, Short and at pace, angling away. Shubham pulls it wide of deep square leg for a couple of runs.

Still no Ravindra Jadeja, who is padded up in the dugout and is on the Impact Sub list. Shubham Dubey is the new man in.

Deepak Chahar to Donovan Ferreira, OUT! IN THE AIR AND CAUGHT! Not enough pyrotechnics from Ferreira and he departs just when he was looking to switch gears. Chahar redeems himself by bowling a slower short ball and well outside the off stump. Donovan Ferreira stands tall to fetch it and looks to clear the deep mid-wicket fence with a pull shot, but ends up slicing it off the top edge. It goes only as far as Corbin Bosch stationed in the deep, who moves to his left, and takes it with a reverse cup while falling on his back. Chahar has two to his name and the Royals are 139/6.

Deepak Chahar to Donovan Ferreira, SIX! A real freebie and punished! Chahar slips in a full toss at knee height, around off. Donovan Ferreira, with minimum fuss, hoists it over long on for a massive six. Is this the jailbreak moment for the Royals?

Deepak Chahar to Jofra Archer, Much fuller, wide outside off, near the tramline. Jofra Archer extends his arms and punches it toward the left of deep cover for a single.

Deepak Chahar (3-0-27-1) is back for his final over. The sun is back out as well.

Raghu Sharma to Jofra Archer, Pushed through, full on middle. Jofra Archer heaves it off the inner half of the bat to deep mid-wicket for a single.

Raghu Sharma to Donovan Ferreira, A tad fuller, slanting down the leg side, Donovan Ferreira tucks it to deep mid-wicket and gets a single.

Raghu Sharma to Donovan Ferreira, SIX! Much-needed for the Royals! Raghu errs this time and offers a juicy half-volley, on middle and leg. Donovan Ferreira gets the front leg out of the way and slogs it over cow corner for a cracking six.

Raghu Sharma to Jofra Archer, Tossed up, fuller, on middle, Jofra Archer clips it to long on for a single.

Raghu Sharma to Donovan Ferreira, Slides into the batter, on a length. Donovan Ferreira hangs back and knocks it down to long on for a run.

Raghu Sharma to Donovan Ferreira, Flat and fuller, around the leg stump. Donovan Ferreira, with no footwork, pushes it to the right of the bowler. Raghu dives to make a stop.

It has turned a bit cloudy now, which the players will certainly welcome. Spin is back on in the form of Raghu Sharma. 2-0-15-0 so far for the leggie.

Shardul Thakur to Donovan Ferreira, Dug in too short and outside off. Donovan Ferreira swats the slower one off the back foot, between deep mid-wicket and long on. Robin Minz, the sub fielder, swiftly moves across to his left from the former position and cuts it off. Just a single.

Shardul Thakur to Jofra Archer, Another slower bouncer, on off. Jofra Archer pulls it down to deep square leg for a single.

Shardul Thakur to Jofra Archer, Slower bumper, wide outside off. Jofra Archer tries the square cut to the off side, but inside edges it to the keeper behind. Ryan Rickelton dives to his right and gathers it on a bounce.

Shardul Thakur to Donovan Ferreira, On a hard length, wide outside off. Donovan Ferreira punches it with a cross-bat to long off and gets across for a single.

Shardul Thakur to Donovan Ferreira, Back of a length, on a tight line, on off and middle. Donovan Ferreira watchfully blocks it back to Shardul.

Shardul Thakur to Donovan Ferreira, Good-length delivery, just outside off. Donovan Ferreira defends it to cover.

STRATEGIC BREAK! This has been a game of ebbs and flows. RR were beginning to build a handy partnership after those early setbacks in the Powerplay, but have been pegged back. Two new batters are now at the crease. With one of them being Jofra Archer, the message could well be for him to go out there and swing freely. MI have done well so far, with all their bowlers barring AM Ghazanfar keeping things under control. They have also backed it up with some sharp work in the field, but can they maintain that intensity in the final 7 overs? Shardul Thakur to bowl after the break.

Corbin Bosch to Jofra Archer, Well bowled! Spears in another yorker, around off. Archer shovels it back to the bowler. Only 4 runs and a wicket from the over. Corbin Bosch's figures read 2-0-10-1 so far.

Well, well. This is interesting. Jofra Archer has walked in at number 7.

Corbin Bosch to Dhruv Jurel, OUT! CLEANED HIM UP! Absolute snorter from Bosch and the troubles keep rising for the Royals. Corbin with a pinpoint yorker attacking the stumps. Dhruv Jurel has a high backlift and his head falls over. By the time he can jam the bat down to squeeze it out, the ball sneaks under his bat and crashes into the stumps behind. Rajasthan Royals are 119/5 as Jurel heads back to the dugout.

Corbin Bosch to Donovan Ferreira, Fuller on off, angling in. Donovan Ferreira gently taps it down through mid on for an easy run.

Corbin Bosch to Dhruv Jurel, A bit slower than usual, on a good length, around off. Jurel heaves it along the ground toward deep mid-wicket and gets a single.

Corbin Bosch to Donovan Ferreira, Attacks the stumps, on a slightly fuller length. Donovan Ferreira plays from the crease, and opens the bat face at the last second to steer the ball between cover and point for a single.

Corbin Bosch to Dhruv Jurel, Back of a length, angling in, around the hips of the batter. Dhruv Jurel pulls it toward the right of the deep backward square fielder and gets a single.

AM Ghazanfar to Donovan Ferreira, Slower through the air, full and on middle. Donovan Ferreira lunges ahead with a big stride and blocks it to the right of the bowler. Another expensive over from AM Ghazanfar. 15 runs off it.

AM Ghazanfar to Dhruv Jurel, Flatter trajectory, much fuller, just behind the yorker length. Dhruv Jurel jams it to long on for a single.

AM Ghazanfar to Dhruv Jurel, SIX! Into the second-tier! Way too short, on the stumps. Dhruv Jurel has enough room and time to go deep into the crease and nails the pull shot deep into the stands behind deep mid-wicket.

AM Ghazanfar to Dhruv Jurel, Sharp fielding! Fuller and outside off, Dhruv Jurel rocks back and cuts at it. However, Suryakumar Yadav dives to his right and makes a diving stop, denying the single.

AM Ghazanfar to Dhruv Jurel, FOUR! Nicely executed! A bit of drag-downer from Ghazanfar, down the leg stump. Dhruv Jurel presses back and pulls it to the left of the diving short fine leg fielder for a boundary.

Dhruv Jurel will have to put that run out behind him and get a move on here.

AM Ghazanfar to Dhruv Jurel, FOUR! Hit hard and wide enough. Much fuller, around off. Dhruv Jurel drills it uppishly, just toward the right of the bowler. AM Ghazanfar looks to stick his right hand out to attempt a catch, but the ball zips past his fingertips and races away downtown for four runs.

Corbin Bosch to Donovan Ferreira, Pushes the length up, on off. Ferreira knocks it to mid off. Just 6 runs and a wicket from this over.

Corbin Bosch to Donovan Ferreira, Back of a length, just outside off. Donovan Ferreira camps back and dabs it to cover.

Corbin Bosch to Dhruv Jurel, Low full toss, on middle, Jurel pushes it back past the bowler. A single is taken as the ball goes wide of mid off. 100 UP FOR RR!

Absolute disaster for the Royals. Donovan Ferreira walks in next.

Corbin Bosch to Dhruv Jurel, OUT! DASUN SHANAKA IS RUN OUT! A complete miscommunication in the middle and Shanaka pays the price for it. A length delivery, around off, Jurel dabs it to the backward fielder. Shardul Thakur moves to his left and initially fumbles to collect the ball and Shanaka sniffs a single, but Jurel is going nowhere and has his back against his partner. Shanaka is almost at the striker's end and has a long way to retreat. Shardul eventually collects the ball and throws it to the bowling end. Corbin gathers it on the half-volley, juggles momentarily, but manages to whip the bails off in time with Shanaka well short of his ground. An unfortunate way to get dismissed for Dasun and Rajasthan Royals are 99/4.

Corbin Bosch to Dhruv Jurel, FOUR! Off the edge! Back of a length, on the middle stump line and nipping back in a shade. Dhruv stands tall and goes for the heave, but the incoming ball takes the inside edge and the ball squirts to the right of the short fine leg fielder for a boundary.

Corbin Bosch to Dasun Shanaka, Fuller, on off, Dasun Shanaka clips it to the left of deep mid-wicket for a single.

Halfway through the first innings. These two have added 40 runs together and are going at a fair clip, given the conditions. 34 have come in the last 3 overs for the Royals, so the momentum is gradually building. A change in bowling as Corbin Bosch comes on.

Shardul Thakur to Dasun Shanaka, This is on a good length, off-pace delivery, outside off. Dasun nurdles it in front of square on the leg side for a single.

Shardul Thakur to Dasun Shanaka, SIX! All the way! Another bouncer, around the left shoulder of the batter. Dasun Shanaka walks inside the line and helps the pull over the deep fine leg fence for six more runs.

Shardul Thakur to Dhruv Jurel, Pace off and into the surface, outside off. Dhruv slaps it to deep cover for a run.

Shardul Thakur to Dasun Shanaka, Change of length from Thakur as he bangs a bouncer, outside off. Dasun Shanaka shuffles across the stumps and pulls it away to deep square leg for a single.

Shardul Thakur to Dhruv Jurel, Lands it on a good length, around off. Jurel dabs it through point and crosses over.

Shardul Thakur to Dhruv Jurel, Thakur starts with a full ball, on the off stump. Jurel firms the drive to mid off.

STRATEGIC BREAK! The partnership between Shanaka and Jurel is blossoming steadily now, with the former showing intent in the last couple of overs. Mumbai Indians have managed to take three massive wickets en route and have utilised six overs of spin so far, as there is a bit of help for spinners on this surface. It is expected to get slower and slower as the game progresses, and it won't be easy for the new batters to come in and go bang-bang from the first ball. So this particular partnership becomes really important for the Royals in this middle phase. MI will look to keep picking up wickets and prevent big overs. Shardul Thakur is now introduced into the attack, replacing AM Ghazanfar.

Raghu Sharma to Dasun Shanaka, Bowled with a flatter trajectory, a bit short and outside off, Shanaka hops back to cut it away but chops it down on the off side.

Raghu Sharma to Dasun Shanaka, SIX! That has been smoked away! Full-length delivery, around off and middle. Dasun Shanaka leans on the delivery, loads his arms and clubs it over the deep mid-wicket fence for half a dozen. That brings up 300 T20 sixes for Shanaka.

Raghu Sharma to Dasun Shanaka, Loopy ball, full and wide on off, bowled from way behind the crease. Shanaka frees his arms and hits it hard along the ground to the right of deep cover for a couple of runs.

Raghu Sharma to Dasun Shanaka, Pushes it fuller, just outside off. Dasun Shanaka goes deep inside the crease and blocks it to the off side.

Raghu Sharma to Dasun Shanaka, Drops it short, outside off, Dasun cuts it hard but picks out Shardul Thakur at backward point.

Raghu Sharma to Dhruv Jurel, Tossed up, fuller, around the pads of the batter, Dhruv Jurel rolls his wrists and flicks it through wide mid-wicket to get across for a single.

AM Ghazanfar to Dhruv Jurel, Attacking the front pad, on a good length. Jurel brings his bat out in front and whips it to deep mid-wicket for one. A productive over for RR, 15 runs off it.

AM Ghazanfar to Dasun Shanaka, AM Ghazanfar drags his length back once again, just outside off. Dasun Shanaka rocks back and pushes it to long off for a single.

AM Ghazanfar to Dasun Shanaka, SIX! That has gone many a mile. AM Ghazanfar serves a flighted delivery, a bit too full, drifting in, on middle and leg. Shanaka gets on the front foot and, with a steady head, he tonks it way over wide long on for a 100-meter biggie.

AM Ghazanfar to Dasun Shanaka, Fuller and outside off, Dasun Shanaka presses forward and knocks it to the right of deep cover for a couple of runs.

AM Ghazanfar to Dasun Shanaka, THREE WIDES! Some free runs for the Royals. Fuller in length, angling down the leg side. Dasun Shanaka misses his flick and the keeper fails to glove it as well. The ball deflects off his left pad and rolls away to the right of deep fine leg and the batters cross over twice.

AM Ghazanfar to Dhruv Jurel, Shorter and quicker, outside off. Jurel cuts it late but Shardul Thakur moves across to his right at short third and dives to make the stop. Just a single. MI have been sharp in the field today.

AM Ghazanfar to Dasun Shanaka, Short of a length, just outside off, turning in, Dasun Shanaka rocks back and pushes it to long on for a single.

Raghu Sharma to Dasun Shanaka, Sliding in at the leg stump, on a length. Shanaka gets inside the line and sweeps it down to deep fine leg for one.

Raghu Sharma to Dhruv Jurel, Loopy this time, much fuller, on off and middle. Dhruv Jurel drives it along the carpet toward long off for one.

Raghu Sharma to Dhruv Jurel, Good effort! Full and outside off, Jurel extends his hands and cracks the drive past cover. The sub fielder, Robin Minz, is swift across the turf to his right from deep point and he tumbles to cut it off. Two runs taken.

Raghu Sharma to Dasun Shanaka, Pitches it up, does Raghu, outside off, Dasun Shanaka lunges and pushes it through cover to get a single.

Raghu Sharma to Dhruv Jurel, Very full, around off. This is squeezed away to deep point for a single.

Raghu Sharma to Dhruv Jurel, Raghu Sharma comes from over the wicket and delivers a full ball, outside off. Dhruv Jurel punches it toward Corbin Bosch in the cover region.

That's the end of the Powerplay. Mumbai Indians would be very happy to have claimed three massive wickets. RR are pushed to reconstruct as Dasun Shanaka is in at number 5. Raghu Sharma is introduced into the attack as well, replacing Deepak Chahar.

AM Ghazanfar to Riyan Parag, OUT! CAUGHT! A well-judged catch by Tilak Varma, and it is AM Ghazanfar who has the last laugh. Slower through the air and the length is pulled back too, on off. Parag is nowhere near the pitch of the ball and just swings through the line. He is early into the lofted hit and does not get the desired power on the shot. Mid on had been pushed back on the fence after the boundary on the 4th ball of the over. Tilak Varma times the jump to perfection at long on and as he is about to lose his balance, he gets rid of the ball and steadies himself in the field of play before completing the catch. After 6 overs, RR are 54/3.

An umpire's review for a fair catch at long on. Tilak Varma is confident that he has taken it cleanly. But has his left foot made any contact with the boundary ropes, while holding the ball? The TV umpire is convinced that it is a fair catch as Tilak just managed to balance himself up. OUT loads on the giant screen.

AM Ghazanfar to Riyan Parag, FOUR! This is an excellent batting from the skipper of Rajasthan Royals. Much fuller, offering a lot of width, outside off. Riyan Parag crouches a bit and extends his arms to smash it over the cover-point region for four more runs.

AM Ghazanfar to Riyan Parag, FOUR! Up and over! A floater, curving back in, on middle and leg. Parag clears the front leg, reaches out in front and thumps it over mid on. One bounce and over the ropes.

AM Ghazanfar to Dhruv Jurel, A touch fuller this time, just outside off. Dhruv Jurel opens the face of the bat at the last moment to guide it to the left of backward point for a single.

AM Ghazanfar to Dhruv Jurel, SIX! Banged away! A half-tracker by AM Ghazanfar, on off. Jurel does not miss out as he stands tall and pummels it over the man at deep mid-wicket for half a dozen.

AM Ghazanfar to Dhruv Jurel, Starts off with a fuller delivery, does Ghazanfar, around off. Dhruv Jurel leans on the delivery and drives it straight to the cover fielder.

Last over of the Powerplay. Spinner comes for a spinner. Here's AM Ghazanfar, who replaces Will Jacks.

Deepak Chahar to Riyan Parag, And again! Just 6 runs and a wicket from the over. Chahar digs it in short, around off. Riyan tries to flay it away but misses once again.

Deepak Chahar to Riyan Parag, Chahar bangs this hard on a good length to generate some bounce, angling in. Riyan Parag makes room and looks to cut at it, but gets beaten.

Deepak Chahar to Riyan Parag, SIX! Hit with real authority! Into the surface, outside off. This sits up to be hit and Parag plays the front foot pull over long on for a flat six.

Deepak Chahar to Riyan Parag, Slower and fuller, on middle, Parag flicks it off the front foot to mid-wicket.

Deepak Chahar to Riyan Parag, Was there an edge? Banged into the deck, outside off, Parag arches back to play the upper cut but misses as the ball goes through to the keeper. Chahar seemed to have heard something, but got no support from anyone else.

A body blow for the Royals, quite literally. In walks the captain, Riyan Parag, at number 4.

Deepak Chahar to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, OUT! IN THE AIR AND GONE! First Jaiswal and now Sooryavanshi, both RR openers back in the hut inside 5 overs. MI are delighted and so would be PBKS and KKR. From over the wicket, angled away from the batter with a seam-up ball. Sooryavanshi hangs deep in the crease and tries to fight the angle by heaving across the line. The ball seams away to catch a leading edge and it goes behind point. Naman Dhir runs in off the ropes and there is another fielder converging from the inner circle but Dhir calls for it and gets low to take the catch.

Change? Nope. Deepak Chahar (2-0-21-0) to bowl three in a row.

Will Jacks to Dhruv Jurel, From around the wicket, on a nagging length, going across the batter. Jurel angles it to the man at short third. End of a successful over for Jacks and MI.

Will Jacks to Dhruv Jurel, A bit of turn. Fractionally short, on middle. Dhruv presses back and punches it to cover.

Jacks draws first blood and gets the reward for his execution. Dhruv Jurel is the next batter in, at number 3. He is coming off two back-to-back fifties and has been in a decent form this year.

Will Jacks to Yashasvi Jaiswal, OUT! CAUGHT! Jacks finally gets rid of Jaiswal. After bowling the previous ball at 97 kph, Jacks slows this one down and bowls it at 89 kph, shorter and just around the off stump. Jaiswal clears the front leg and has a swing at it. The ball stops a bit in the surface and turns away slightly to catch the leading edge. It balloons towards point, where Corbin Bosch takes a reverse cup catch on the edge of the ring. End of a 33-run opening stand.

Will Jacks to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Slower and wider on off, on a good length. Jaiswal cuts it straight to backward point.

Will Jacks to Yashasvi Jaiswal, SIX! Good use of the feet! Floated up, on a length, on middle. Jaiswal dances down the track, gets to the pitch of the ball and smokes it over mid off for a biggie.

Will Jacks to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Flatter and shorter, on middle. Sooryavanshi pushes at the ball with hard hands. Ekes out an inside edge and it goes in front of square on the leg side. They cross.

Will Jacks to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Wide! Full and drifting down leg, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi attempts the sweep but misses.

Deepak Chahar to Yashasvi Jaiswal, A dot to end the over. Chahar pushes it across the batter from over the wicket. Jaiswal tries one too many shots as he initially walks across for the scoop but seeing the line, he tries to angle the scoop past short third. He fails to get under the ball and toe-ends it beside the strip on the off side.

Deepak Chahar to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Takes pace off now and goes into the surface, over middle. Jaiswal hops to play the uppercut over the keeper but misses.

Deepak Chahar to Yashasvi Jaiswal, FOUR! Thumped! Chahar comes from around the wicket for Jaiswal. He goes searching for the yorker but fails to get it full enough. Jaiswal stays back and gets his hands through the ball. Creams the drive through covers for a boundary.

Deepak Chahar to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Nails the wide yorker from over the wicket. Sooryavanshi digs it out to deep point for a single.

Deepak Chahar to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Better line and length from Chahar. Angled in at the sticks, on a good length. Yashasvi nudges it through square leg and turns the strike over.

Deepak Chahar to Yashasvi Jaiswal, SIX! High and long enough! Chahar errs in his length while attempting the knuckleball. Pitches it up right in the slot, on off. Jaiswal clears the front leg and swings with all his might. Gets more height than distance on it but manages to clear the long off fence.

Will Jacks to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Very full, darted in at the toes. Sooryavanshi can only jam it out back to the bowler. Jacks is still not happy with that LBW decision and has a word with the umpire. A tidy first over from Will. Just 4 runs off it.

Will Jacks to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Wide! Sprayed down leg, Sooryavanshi offers no shot.

Will Jacks to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Pushed through, shorter and on middle and leg. Jaiswal knocks it to the left of mid on for a quick single.

Will Jacks to Yashasvi Jaiswal, A loud shout for LBW, turned down by the umpire. Hardik Pandya checks with the bowler and the keeper before deciding to go upstairs. Sliding on with the arm, on a length, attacking the front pad. Jaiswal gets down on a knee and goes hard on the sweep. He misses out on connecting and gets hit low on the front pad. This does look pretty straight. Waiting for the UltraEdge, says the third umpire as the tension builds. The third umpire opts for the split screen instead and is convinced that there is no bat or glove involved. Over to the Ball Tracking now. Well, the ball is clipping the top of the middle stump and it is umpire's call. The on-field decision is upheld. MI retain their review.

Will Jacks to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Slower through the air, on a good length, a bit wide but sneaking just inside the tramline. Jaiswal shoulders arms.

Will Jacks to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, A bit of air given this time, full and drifting into the pads. Sooryavanshi clips this through mid-wicket. They think about the second run, but the fielder in the deep keeps the batters down to a single.

Will Jacks to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Flat and short, in line with the off stump. Jaiswal presses back and cuts it late, but can't beat backward point. Just a single.

What an entertaining opening over! It has beautifully set the tone for the game. And it will be spin from the other end. With two left-handers at the crease, Will Jacks will roll his arm over.

Deepak Chahar to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shaping back into the pads, Yashasvi flicks this length ball to deep mid-wicket and keeps the strike with a single.

Deepak Chahar to Yashasvi Jaiswal, SIX! Clean as a whistle! A hit-me delivery by Chahar as he goes full in search of swing. Dishes it out right in the slot, on off. Jaiswal puts his head down and with a clean swing of the arms, he launches it over the long off fence for a biggie.

Deepak Chahar to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Angled back in, on a back of a length, on middle. Jaiswal swivels to shovel it away but misses and wears it on the waist.

Deepak Chahar to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Sensational effort from Will Jacks! Chahar switches to over the wicket and bowls it full and across the left-hander. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi throws his hands at it but fails to get hold of the shot properly. Jacks leaps acrobatically at the deep cover fence. While there was never really a catching opportunity, he does brilliantly to flick the ball back into play before landing beyond the boundary cushions. The batters run only a single and Will saves five runs for his side.

Is that a six? Or has Jacks saved it? Nonetheless, an astonishing effort from the Englishman despite running out of room in the deep. The TV umpire is summoned in to check it. And yes, the replay shows that Jacks just managed to throw the ball in the playing area before landing beyond the ropes. Jacks has saved a few runs for his team here.

Deepak Chahar to Yashasvi Jaiswal, Jaiswal and the Royals are underway. Chahar drags the length back and brings the ball back into the left-hander. Jaiswal uses his wrists and turns it through mid-wicket for a single.

Deepak Chahar to Yashasvi Jaiswal, A hint of away shape first up for Chahar. Floated up from around the wicket, full and outside off, inviting the drive. Jaiswal resists the temptation and lets it go through to the keeper.

All set to get underway for one final time this season at the iconic Wankhede Stadium. It is absolutely humid out there with the sun beating down. But that hasn't kept the fans away, as it is almost a full house. The two umpires walk out to the middle. Hardik Pandya has his men in a huddle before they spread across the park. Now then, the RR opening pair of Vaibhav Sooryavanshi and Yashasvi Jaiswal walk to the crease. Deepak Chahar has the new ball in hand. Jaiswal will take the strike. A slip in place. Ready. Set. Go.

Let's hear from Suryakumar Yadav - Suryakumar says the Mumbai Indians are here to win and play for pride, with this being their final game of the season. He adds that the fans have backed the team throughout the tournament, and the players would love to give them something to cheer about one last time this year. When asked about plans to stop Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, SKY laughs and says the biggest challenge at the moment is the heat, with conditions extremely hot in Mumbai. He signs off by saying the team will put up a proper fight and look to execute their plans well against the opposition.

Impact sub options for RR - Ravindra Jadeja, Sushant Mishra, Aman Perala, Ravi Bishnoi and Tushar Deshpande.

Rajasthan Royals (Playing XI) - Yashasvi Jaiswal, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Riyan Parag (C) (In for Lhuan-dre Pretorius), Donovan Ferreira, Shubham Dubey, Dasun Shanaka, Jofra Archer, Nandre Burger (In for Sushant Mishra), Yash Punja and Brijesh Sharma.

Impact sub options for MI - Rohit Sharma, Mayank Rawat, Robin Minz, Krish Bhagat and Trent Boult.

Mumbai Indians (Playing XI) - Ryan Rickelton (WK), Naman Dhir, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (C), Will Jacks, Corbin Bosch, Deepak Chahar (In for Jasprit Bumrah), Shardul Thakur, AM Ghazanfar and Raghu Sharma.

The skipper of the Rajasthan Royals - Riyan Parag says they would have bowled first as well, believing the heat could ease later on and the wicket might get better for batting. He adds that with this potentially being their final game of the season, the side wants to play with full intensity and do everything possible to secure the two points. Reflecting on the campaign, Parag says everything the team worked hard for before and during the tournament has led them to this stage, with their fate still in their own hands. Apart from Parag returning to the side, the Royals have made two more changes, with Nandre Burger and Ravindra Jadeja also coming back.

The captain of the Mumbai Indians - Hardik Pandya says it looks like a good track. Details that whenever they have played here in a day game, the pitch tends to get better and better as the game progresses. About the ESA initiative, Pandya mentions that it is a very special game, as he highlights that the ESA has brought 20,000 kids to the stadium. Says millions of affected kids have been helped by the Reliance Foundation and that it is a great privilege to be a part of it. Adds that every year they come for this occasion, they know it is always going to be loud. When asked about the pitch, he calls it a hard, good-looking track. He reckons that it will get slightly better once the sun goes down. On the team changes, Hardik informs that Jasprit Bumrah is resting and Deepak Chahar comes in for him.

TOSS - All set for the coin to go up. Hardik Pandya and Riyan Parag share a warm hug in the middle. Ravi Shastri calls it a furnace out there. The flip of the coin lands in favour of Pandya. Mumbai Indians opt to BOWL first.

Words from MI's star opener - Ryan Rickelton believes the surface at the Wankhede offers good pace and bounce, similar to conditions back home in South Africa, which is why he feels comfortable batting here.  On opening alongside Rohit Sharma, Rickelton says he feels a lot more at ease when Sharma is at the other end because of the calmness and composure he brings. He adds that Rohit understands the game exceptionally well and always seems to make the right decisions at the right time, which helps settle him down in the middle. Speaking about the Jofra Archer challenge, Rickelton says the England pacer has been hugely impactful for the Rajasthan Royals this season. However, he is looking forward to the contest and hopes to use Archer's pace to his advantage and come out on top in the battle.

A day of smiles and dreams - It is that special day in the IPL calendar for the Mumbai Indians. Education and Sports for All Day brings together over 20,000 children from underserved backgrounds, tribal communities and villages across Maharashtra and Gujarat for an unforgettable experience at the Wankhede. MI will hope to put smiles on the kids' faces and sign off from the season on a positive note.

A quick chat - RR's Donovan Ferreira says the team is staying relaxed heading into this do-or-die clash, with the players fully focused on what they need to do. From a personal standpoint, he adds that he is treating it as just another big game on a big stage, acknowledging that pressure will always be there but insisting that the key is to embrace it. Reflecting on his IPL journey, Ferreira says the last three years often saw him on the sidelines carrying drinks, but he used that as motivation and worked hard to earn his opportunities. Speaking about Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ferreira says the youngster is highly rated around India and adds that he genuinely enjoys watching him bat.

PITCH REPORT - Ian Bishop mentions that this is the first afternoon game in Mumbai this season, with temperatures around 33 degrees Celsius, though it feels closer to 40. Informs that the game will be played on pitch number six, with the square boundaries measuring 67 metres and 61 metres respectively, while the straight boundary stands at 75 metres. Sunil Gavaskar adds that more than the temperature, it is the humidity that really drains the players. He notes that this surface has historically been a very good batting wicket, although there is very little grass on it today, apart from a few scattered patches. Gavaskar expects the spinners, especially the wrist spinners, to get some assistance from the surface, but still believes there will be plenty of runs on offer. On the toss, Gavaskar reckons the captain winning it will likely choose to bat first, mainly to avoid having their bowlers spend long periods in the afternoon heat and humidity.

Key matchups and pitch expectations - There are plenty of matchups to watch, but one stands above the rest. Round two between Jasprit Bumrah and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi is the contest everyone has circled. The first bout went convincingly to the 15-year-old sensation, and the cricketing world will be watching closely to see how Bumrah responds. As for the surface, this being a day game in Mumbai, spinners are expected to have a significant say. But you can never write off the batters at this venue at all. The head-to-head reads a close 5-4 in favour of MI at the Wankhede, but RR hold a 3-1 advantage in the last four meetings here. With so much at stake, this promises to be a box-office clash in the City of Dreams. Toss and teams coming up shortly.

Team news - There’s no injury concern in the MI camp. Hardik Pandya is expected to lead the side as usual, with Rohit Sharma likely coming in as an impact player. But with 24 players used across the season, MI are among the teams to have rotated their squad the most this year, which is uncharacteristic of a franchise known for its stability. RR, meanwhile, have worked through 20 players of their own this year, with injuries to Ravindra Jadeja and skipper Riyan Parag disrupting their combination at crucial stages. Both are expected to return, and if they do, it will give the Royals a significant boost in confidence.

Fault lines exposed - Both sides know where the other bleeds. Where the vulnerabilities exactly are. MI’s marquee names have had a season to forget with the bat. Their bowling has not been watertight either, having conceded 200 or more six times this campaign. But RR’s troubles run just as deep. Though their top order has been in some scintillating form, their fragile middle order and a bowling attack that has haemorrhaged runs all season have added to their worries. Eight times they have conceded 200 or more this season.

Last ticket, multiple claimants - Three teams are still scrapping for the fourth playoff spot. PBKS and RR are the primary contenders with realistic chances, while KKR lurk on the fringes with a thin mathematical chance that looks more like wishful thinking at this point. For Rajasthan Royals, it is binary. Win, and they are through. Lose, and they are done. They sit at 14 points, and a victory here sends them leapfrogging Punjab Kings, who banked 15 points after a commanding win in Lucknow last evening to sneak into the top four. Of all the teams still alive, RR are the only ones with their fate entirely in their own hands. But what if the Royals slip up tonight? Then, the Punjab Kings advance, almost. Almost, because KKR still have a game to play this evening, against DC. However, PBKS have built such a commanding net run rate buffer over their 2014 final opponents that it would take a near-miracle to dislodge them. And if that game in Kolkata ends up meaning nothing, well, that is entirely on the Royals.

S19, E69 - It has come down to the final day of the league stage, with one playoff spot still to be decided. It is all or nothing now. The road to the playoffs runs through the Wankhede, where the Mumbai Indians have already been shown the exit but have one last role to play, as the final gatekeepers of this season. For Rajasthan Royals, the equation is simple and the pressure absolute. Win, and they are through. Hello and welcome to the penultimate league stage fixture of IPL 2026. It’s going to be a fun ride, so hop along.

... MATCH DAY ...

All or nothing - The penultimate match of the league stage throws up an intriguing clash at the iconic Wankhede Stadium as Mumbai Indians host Rajasthan Royals in Match 69 of IPL 2026. While the stakes appear vastly different for the two teams, the encounter still carries enormous significance. Rajasthan are chasing playoff qualification and enter the contest knowing that a win will clinch a playoff berth for them, whereas Mumbai, already out of contention, have an opportunity to salvage pride in front of their home fans and potentially disrupt another team’s campaign. Big on names, not so on performances - Mumbai Indians’ campaign has never truly found rhythm. A season plagued by inconsistency with bat and ball has left the five-time champions well outside the playoff race, forcing them into a phase of introspection. Captain Hardik Pandya recently admitted that the team has been 'quite poor' this season, reflecting the frustration around missed opportunities and underwhelming performances. Their recent defeat to Kolkata exposed familiar concerns - fragile middle-order phases, fielding lapses, and an inability to sustain momentum through key passages. For Mumbai, the spotlight naturally falls on Rohit Sharma, whose experience at Wankhede remains invaluable. Much also rests on Tilak Varma, who has endured a frustrating campaign despite flashes of brilliance. Mumbai need someone to bridge the gap between intent and execution, and Tilak’s role at No. 3 or 4 becomes especially important if early wickets fall. Add the all-round influence of Hardik Pandya, and Mumbai still possess enough firepower to post, or chase a massive total if their batting clicks collectively. Mumbai’s bowling has struggled for consistency, especially in the final overs where games have slipped away too often. Their seam attack will need better execution with yorkers and variations, particularly against RR’s finishers who thrive in the last five overs. An opportunity like none other - Rajasthan Royals, in contrast, are clinging to hope. After threatening to fade away during the middle stretch of the season, they have found renewed energy thanks to timely performances and explosive batting. Their recent win over Lucknow Super Giants revived their campaign and ensured they remain alive in the playoff race entering this fixture. The Royals arrive with urgency, momentum, and clarity - three things Mumbai have often lacked this year. The Royals’ batting has found a new spark through teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi. The youngster recently smashed a blistering 93 off 38 deliveries in a high-pressure encounter, showcasing fearless strokeplay and extraordinary composure under pressure. His ability to attack in the Powerplay could immediately put Mumbai on the back foot. Support around him becomes equally important. Rajasthan’s middle order has often oscillated between explosive and vulnerable, meaning the likes of senior batters and finishers must convert starts into substantial contributions. If RR’s batting unit survives Mumbai’s new-ball challenge, Wankhede’s dimensions could turn the contest into a boundary-hitting exhibition. For Rajasthan, containing Mumbai’s stroke-makers through the middle overs could be decisive. Slowing the tempo against players like Suryakumar and Tilak is often easier said than done, but disciplined lengths and smart match-ups could force Mumbai into risky options. The Wankhede factor - Few venues in the IPL influence tactics as heavily as Wankhede. The short boundaries, true bounce, and dew factor usually create a paradise for batters, making Powerplay execution and death bowling decisive. Teams batting second traditionally feel more comfortable under lights, especially when dew makes gripping the ball difficult. Mumbai historically thrive at home because of their understanding of conditions, but this season their fortress has looked far less intimidating. Rajasthan, meanwhile, will fancy their aggressive batting unit to exploit the surface. The Powerplay battle could define the game. If Mumbai’s seamers fail to strike early, Rajasthan’s top order can quickly take the match away. Conversely, if Mumbai’s experienced core gets going during the field restrictions, Rajasthan’s bowlers could spend much of the evening defending rather than attacking. Form (Last 5 completed games, recent first) - MI - LWLWL | RR - WLLLW. Predictions? This game feels like a classic case of pressure versus liberation. Rajasthan have more to lose and therefore carry heavier expectations. Mumbai, with nothing tangible left to fight for, may actually become dangerous and free to attack without consequence. Yet form and momentum slightly favour the Royals. And, if the Royals do manage to get the win, the final league game, featuring Kolkata Knight Riders, another team still chasing the playoff dream, wouldn't even matter. But if the Royals lose, the final league game will be the one that decides the final spot in the top two, exhilarating stuff. Who are you backing for the win?