IPL 2026: Deshpande Holds Nerve In Last-Over Thriller, RR Edge GT By 6 Runs

IPL 2026: A tense final over from Tushar Deshpande powered Rajasthan Royals to a thrilling six-run victory over Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League 2026 clash at the Narendra Modi Stadium on Saturday.

Opting to bat first, Rajasthan posted a formidable 210/6, led by impressive half-centuries from Dhruv Jurel and Yashasvi Jaiswal. Gujarat’s chase was anchored by Sai Sudharsan, but a late push fell short despite resistance from Rashid Khan and Kagiso Rabada.

Rajasthan got off to a flying start as Jaiswal and Vaibhav Sooryavanshi dominated the powerplay, adding 69 runs in six overs. Sooryavanshi made a quick 31 before Rashid Khan broke the stand. Jaiswal continued fluently, scoring 55 off 36 balls before falling to Rabada.

After a brief slowdown, Jurel took charge, crafting a brilliant 75 off 42 deliveries, including five fours and five sixes. Valuable contributions from Shimron Hetmyer and the middle order ensured Rajasthan crossed the 200-run mark.

Bishnoi Turns Game Before Deshpande Seals It

In response, Gujarat, missing skipper Shubman Gill due to a muscle spasm, saw Sai Sudharsan lead the chase with a composed 73 off 44 balls. Debutant Kumar Kushagra added 18 as the hosts reached 56/0 in the powerplay.

The game shifted when Ravi Bishnoi delivered a match-winning spell, claiming four wickets and removing key batters including Sudharsan, Glenn Phillips and Washington Sundar, leaving Gujarat at 133/5.

A late 43-run stand between Rashid and Rabada revived hopes, reducing the target to 11 runs in the final over. Rajasthan captain Riyan Parag handed the ball to Deshpande, who executed pinpoint yorkers under pressure. The decisive breakthrough came when Rashid was caught by Jofra Archer, sealing a dramatic win.

Deshpande conceded just four runs in the final over to secure Rajasthan’s first nail-biting victory of the season.

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