The IPL 2026 journey now returns to the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur where Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals are set to collide in a high-pressure Eliminator clash. The league stage is over, calculations are done and now every single mistake could decide who survives and who goes home.

For Sunrisers Hyderabad, the campaign has largely been a story of dominance. Under Pat Cummins’ leadership, SRH looked like one of the most complete sides throughout the tournament and narrowly missed out on a top-two finish because of net run rate.

Across from them stand Rajasthan Royals, a side that fought through multiple ups and downs to eventually seal a playoff spot. Despite a brilliant start to the season, RR lost momentum midway through the tournament before producing a strong late resurgence to enter the top four. Under new skipper Riyan Parag, Rajasthan have played fearless cricket and continue to rely heavily on their explosive batting lineup.

The rise of teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has completely changed the energy around Rajasthan Royals this season. Besides experienced names like Dhruv Jurel and Jofra Archer, RR possess enough firepower to challenge any side in pressure situations.

SRH vs RR pitch report for IPL 2026 Eliminator

The Mullanpur surface has emerged as one of the better batting tracks in IPL 2026 and another high-scoring encounter is expected in the Eliminator. Big totals have regularly been posted at the venue and the conditions generally remain excellent for stroke-making under lights.

Scores beyond 200 have almost become a regular occurrence here this season, while even totals around 220 have not always guaranteed safety for teams defending. The pitch usually offers true bounce along with quick outfield conditions, allowing batters to play through the line comfortably once settled.

Captains winning the toss have mostly preferred to chase at this venue due to the consistency of the surface in the second innings. The average first-innings score in IPL 2026 at Mullanpur has hovered close to 210, while chasing teams have repeatedly crossed the 190-run mark as well.

Fast bowlers can still enjoy some assistance with the new ball during the powerplay, especially under evening conditions when there is slight movement available early on. However, once the ball gets older, the pitch becomes significantly easier for batting and bowlers are forced to depend heavily on slower deliveries and yorkers.

Spinners who vary their pace cleverly could still play a major role during the middle overs, particularly against aggressive batting units like SRH and RR.

Overall, another run-fest appears likely in Mullanpur with both teams possessing explosive batting lineups capable of taking full advantage of the conditions.

Yadavindra Singh Stadium T20 stats & records ahead of SRH vs RR IPL 2026 Eliminator

Average 1st innings score: 210-211

Matches played in IPL 2026: 4

Matches won batting first: 2

Matches won bowling first: 2

Highest total: 254/7 by Punjab Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants, IPL 2026

Lowest total: 95/10 by Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings, IPL 2026

Highest successful chase: 223/4 by Punjab Kings vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, IPL 2026

200-plus totals at venue in IPL 2026: 4

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