Rajasthan Royals promote Archer and beat Mumbai Indians by 30 runs to reach IPL playoffs

Rajasthan Royals scored 205 for 8 and then restricted Mumbai Indians to 175 for 9 to win by 30 runs at the Wankhede Stadium on the final day of the IPL 2026 league stage. Jofra Archer scored 32 off 15 balls and took 3 for 17, while Dhruv Jurel made 38 and Dasun Shanaka added 29. Mumbai Indians rested Jasprit Bumrah for workload management, with Deepak Chahar and others sharing the bowling duties. Rajasthan's win secured the fourth playoff spot and eliminated Punjab Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders.

Rajasthan Royals chose to promote Archer ahead of Ravindra Jadeja's Impact Player entry, a move that allowed them to attack early with the bat and then use Archer's pace in the powerplay. Archer's 4-over spell cost just 17 runs and removed three wickets. Mumbai Indians replied with Suryakumar Yadav's 60, but the target proved beyond them on a pitch that slowed in the second innings.

The result confirms Rajasthan Royals as the final team in the IPL 2026 playoffs alongside the top three sides from the league table.