Kagiso Rabada Sets IPL Record as Gujarat Titans Shine in Qualifier 1

In a thrilling Qualifier 1 match, Kagiso Rabada of Gujarat Titans made history by becoming the bowler with the most powerplay wickets in a single IPL season. His achievement came during a high-stakes game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who set a new record for the highest total in an IPL playoff match. With significant contributions from key players, both teams showcased exceptional performances, making this match a memorable one in IPL history. Read on to discover more about the records and highlights from this exciting encounter.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 26, 2026, 23:54 IST

Rabada's Record-Breaking Performance

During the Qualifier 1 match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Gujarat Titans' star bowler Kagiso Rabada made history. The South African fast bowler became the record holder for the most powerplay wickets in a single IPL season after taking the wicket of Venkatesh Iyer. This achievement allowed Rabada to surpass Mohammed Shami, who had previously held the record with 17 powerplay wickets in the 2023 IPL season.

GT's Exceptional Bowling Lineup

The Gujarat Titans showcased an impressive and well-rounded bowling performance throughout the IPL 2026 season. They became only the second team in IPL history, following the Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, to have five bowlers each claiming 15 or more wickets in a single season. The standout bowlers included Rabada (26 wickets), Rashid Khan (19), Mohammed Siraj (17), Jason Holder (15), and Prasidh Krishna (15).

The formidable pace duo of Rabada and Siraj led the charge, dominating opposing batting lineups. Collectively, the Titans' seamers amassed an impressive total of 84 wickets this season, marking the second-highest tally for a pace attack in IPL history, just behind the 89 wickets taken by Rajasthan Royals' bowlers in their 2013 campaign.

RCB Achieves Record Total in Qualifier 1

In the match itself, Royal Challengers Bengaluru delivered a stunning performance, with Rajat Patidar leading the charge. Supported by significant contributions from Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, and Krunal Pandya, RCB posted a staggering total of 254 runs for 5 wickets against Gujarat Titans in Qualifier 1.

This remarkable score set a new record for the highest total in an IPL playoff or knockout match, surpassing the previous record of 233 runs for 3 wickets set by Gujarat Titans against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2 in 2023.