GT vs RR Pitch Report: Another run-fest in Mullanpur for IPL 2026 Qualifier 2

Punjab Kings’ main home venue, Mullanpur, has been the flattest track in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season. After a low-scoring first game, the last four first innings totals in New Chandigarh are 219, 254, 222, and 243. Considering Punjab’s brand of cricket, it makes sense they opted for a batting haven.

Last night, we saw the Rajasthan Royals (RR) post 243 in Mullanpur while batting first. However, even that total wasn’t great. Yes, RR managed to defeat the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the IPL 2026 Eliminator comfortably, but they left a few runs on the table. Even 260 doesn’t look like a safe total here.

Mullanpur pitch report for GT vs RR match

Discounting the first match in New Chandigarh, the average first innings total in 234. SRH’s 196 yesterday was the lowest total and only time in last 8 innings that the 200-mark wasn’t breached at the venue. Twice total of 220 or above, have been chased in IPL 2026. So, the above-par total here is perhaps 240-250.

• Average first innings total: 220
• Run rate: 10.74
• Batting first: 2 wins
• Chasing: 3 wins

Once again, taking that 162 v 165 out of the equation, chasing or batting first doesn’t matter. If you need to set a target, you have to make sure the opposition requires at least 2 runs per ball. With each dot ball or single, the pressure will keep mounting. However, anything under that and the game will be truly on.

Powerplay to decide Qualifier 2

Powerplay, both with bat and ball, has decided the outcome of matches in IPL 2026. Mullanpur is perhaps one of the most skewed venues in this regard. Despite the powerplay lasting more than the death overs, wickets haven’t been falling in the 1-6 overs, and the run rate’s the highest of the three phases.

Mullanpur phase-wise stats in IPL 2026

Rajasthan has a clear advantage. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi scored 60 off 20 in overs 1 to 6 against SRH on May 27. Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan scored around 150 in the powerplay, while Sooryavanshi strikes at over 240. The competition with the ball is much closer, but Jofra Archer has taken 5 wickets in the powerplay in the last 2 games, including a 3-fer against SRH.

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