Table-toppers Rajasthan Royals are set to face defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in Match 16 of the 2026 Indian Premier League at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium on Friday, with weather conditions once again threatening to disrupt play. The fixture comes just days after rain curtailed a previous match at the venue, raising concerns over another potential interruption.
Rajasthan Royals, led by Riyan Parag, have enjoyed a strong start to the season, remaining unbeaten with three consecutive wins over Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Titans, and Mumbai Indians. Their opening pair has been particularly effective, with Yashasvi Jaiswal scoring back-to-back half-centuries, while young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi impressed with a fifty in the opening game and an aggressive cameo against Mumbai. The Royals also boast the tournament’s leading wicket-taker in Ravi Bishnoi, who has claimed seven wickets in three matches.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have also made a commanding start, winning both their matches so far. The batting unit, featuring Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, and Tim David, has delivered consistent performances, each contributing half-centuries. In the bowling department, New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy has emerged as a key figure, stepping in effectively in the absence of Josh Hazlewood and picking up five wickets in two games, supported by experienced bowlers including Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya.
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Weather, however, could play a decisive role in the contest. The India Meteorological Department has forecast a partly cloudy sky with spells of rain or thundershowers, along with the possibility of thunderstorms and lightning in Guwahati. The previous match at the venue was reduced to 11 overs due to rain, and similar conditions could again impact the game despite expectations of a batting-friendly pitch.
Historically, Royal Challengers Bengaluru hold a slight edge over Rajasthan Royals, winning 17 of their 34 encounters, while Rajasthan have secured 14 victories, with three matches ending without a result. With both teams unbeaten and in strong form, the clash promises high-quality cricket—provided the weather allows for a full contest.
The match will be broadcast live on Star Sports channels and streamed on the JioHotstar app, giving fans multiple options to follow what could be one of the standout games of the season, weather permitting.
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