Rajasthan Royals have stormed into the IPL playoffs with a commanding 30-run victory over Mumbai Indians, courtesy of all-round brilliance from Jofra Archer on Sunday.

Archer returned with exceptional figures of 4-0-17-3 after scoring a quick 32 off 15 balls in the first innings, helping his side post a challenging 205 for 8 in their full quota of 20 overs.

Rajasthan Royals’ batting line-up plundered 73 runs off the final five overs, leaving the MI bowling attack completely stunned.

The hosts, Mumbai Indians, were restricted to 175 for 9 in their allotted 20 overs.

With this win at home, RR have climbed to fourth place on the IPL points table with 16 points, thereby eliminating Punjab Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders, and Delhi Capitals — the latter two having only faint mathematical hopes left.

For Mumbai, a half-century by Suryakumar Yadav (60 off 42 balls with four sixes and three fours), supported by skipper Hardik Pandya’s brisk 15-ball 34 and Will Jacks’ 33 off 18 balls, ultimately fell short of the target.

Archer began his spell with fiery pace and swing, dismissing Rohit Sharma for a duck with a classical outswinger. He then cleaned up Naman Dhir with a brilliant inswinger.

The real damage came when Ryan Rickelton’s (12) stay ended with Burger, who induced a pull to Vaibhav Sooryavanshi at square leg.

The Indian Premier League 2026 season has now entered the playoff stage, where the top four teams will fight for the ultimate glory.

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