Rain Delays Start of IPL 2026 Match
The IPL 2026 match between Rajasthan Royals and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati began with a challenging start due to heavy rain. The weather caused a delay in the match, as well as the toss, and much of the outfield was covered as the rain intensified just before the game was set to begin.
Despite the initial disruptions, fans were not left disappointed as the match started with an exciting display of cricket. Although clouds still loomed over the stadium, the conditions remained uncertain for both teams competing for the top position in the league.
Jofra Archer’s Electrifying Performance
Jofra Archer made an immediate impact for Rajasthan Royals, delivering a blistering pace that left the Royal Challengers Bengaluru batters struggling to find their rhythm. His first over was a masterclass in control and aggression, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
On the very first ball of the innings, Archer dismissed Phil Salt with a bouncer that hit him hard on the body. The ball then trickled to an outside edge, which was safely caught by Dhruv Jurel behind the stumps. This early wicket proved to be a significant blow for the RCB batting lineup, as they struggled to recover from such a harsh start.
Kohli’s Narrow Escape Adds Drama
Archer’s first over was impressive and dictated the momentum of the game for Rajasthan Royals. After dismissing Salt on the first ball, he continued to test Virat Kohli’s partner, Devdutt Padikkal, with some swing and bounce. Despite the pressure, Padikkal managed to score a couple of boundaries with controlled shots.
On the last delivery of the first over, Padikkal took a single, giving Kohli an opportunity to face the final ball of Archer’s over. Kohli’s shot off the last ball created a dramatic moment in the game. Archer bowled a delivery outside off, and Kohli edged it. The ball traveled between the keeper and the second slip, but Jurel dived to catch it, only to fall short by inches. The ball then raced to the boundary, ensuring that Rajasthan Royals would leave the first over with early dominance.
Notable First-Ball Dismissals in IPL History
There have been several instances in IPL history where batters have been dismissed on the first ball of their innings. Some of the most notable cases include:
- Parthiv Patel – 4 times
- Dwayne Smith – 3 times
- Prithvi Shaw – 3 times
- KL Rahul – 3 times
- Phil Salt – 3 times
These dismissals highlight the unpredictable nature of cricket and the importance of starting strong in any match.
