In a riveting IPL encounter, Jos Buttler emerged as the hero, propelling Rajasthan Royals to a historic victory over Kolkata Knight Riders with a scintillating unbeaten century. His blistering 107* off just 60 balls spearheaded one of the highest successful chases in IPL history, as RR clinched a thrilling 2-wicket win at the iconic Eden Gardens on Tuesday. Despite the daunting target of 224 set by KKR, Buttler’s spectacular innings fueled RR’s triumph, marking their sixth victory of the season.
The chase didn’t start smoothly for RR, as they faced early setbacks. Opener Yashasvi Jaiswal fell early in just the second over, while skipper Sanju Samson departed cheaply in the fifth over. Harshit Rana further dented RR’s progress, claiming the wicket of Riyan Parag in the eighth over. Spinner Varun Chakravarthy then struck twice in the 13th over, removing R Ashwin and Shimron Hetmeyer in quick succession. Ashwin managed a mere 8 runs, while Hetmeyer departed without scoring.
However, amidst the wickets tumbling, Jos Buttler stood firm, displaying remarkable resilience and skill. He reached his fifty in the 15th over, instilling hope in the RR camp. Despite the pressure, Buttler continued his onslaught, punishing the KKR bowlers with his aggressive strokeplay.
WATCH – Varun Chakravarthy Dismisses Ashwin’s Dismissal and Hetmyer’s Struggle
Sunil Narine, who had been impressive earlier, claimed his second wicket by dismissing Rovman Powell in the 17th over. But Jos Buttler remained unfazed, anchoring the innings with unwavering determination. Despite losing wickets at regular intervals, RR’s hopes soared as Buttler raced towards his century.
An Impactful Innings 😍
🔝 class effort from a 🔝 player ft. Jos Buttler
Watch the match LIVE on @StarSportsIndia and @JioCinema 💻📱#TATAIPL | #KKRvRR | @rajasthanroyals pic.twitter.com/5vz2qLIC7Z
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 16, 2024
In a breathtaking display of batting prowess, Jos Buttler reached his milestone, smashing a century off just 55 balls. His unbeaten innings guided RR to a historic victory, equaling their own record for one of the highest successful chases in IPL history, set against Punjab Kings in 2020.
The nail-biting encounter showcased Buttler’s brilliance and RR’s fighting spirit, underscoring their prowess in the tournament. With this remarkable win, RR solidified their position as strong contenders in the IPL 2024 season, leaving cricket fans in awe of their remarkable performance.
WATCH – Riyan Parag’s Heroics: How A Spectacular Catch Saved Crucial Six Runs
Brief scores: Kolkata Knight Riders – 223/6 in 20 overs (Sunil Narine: 109; Avesh Khan: 2/35) lost to Rajasthan Royals – 224/8 in 20 overs (Jos Buttler: 107*; Sunil Narine: 2/30).
For a moment, imagine there was no impact sub. Buttler would either not have played, or may not have had the energy to carry out this heist given how exhausted he was at the end. So, what do you think of the impact sub?
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) April 16, 2024
Genuinly would have been more surprised if @josbuttler didn’t finish that game off when Powell got out,that’s how good the man is..his ability to read game situations and take emotion out of it is what set’s him apart 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥
— Ben Stokes (@benstokes38) April 16, 2024
Jos Buttler is a bonafide finisher… doesn’t matter where he bat…in Middle order in ODIs or open the innings in T20s
One of a kind player!
— Abhishek AB (@ABsay_ek) April 16, 2024
As an MI fan.. letting Buttler and Boult go is something that would always pinch a bit. Buttler began opening at MI and its so good to see him become the best T20 opener in the world. This is just unbelievable. The guy is not even fit. Complete freak.
— Anuj Nitin Prabhu (@APTalksCricket) April 16, 2024
Jos Buttler to opposition’s batters scoring a hundred against @rajasthanroyals: pic.twitter.com/Qqwpa5W2fF
— Saurabh Malhotra (@MalhotraSaurabh) April 16, 2024
MI spilled up a run-chase when they needed 77 runs from 36 balls with three reputed batters yet to come out.
RR aced a run-chase when they needed 96 runs from 36 balls with no reputed batter in the dugout.
— Sameer Allana (@HitmanCricket) April 16, 2024
Jos Buttler being ruthless and sensible at the same time pic.twitter.com/ODC4U0Q3Eq
— Sagar (@sagarcasm) April 16, 2024
Jos Buttler pic.twitter.com/NKNfnS7kXm
— Raja Babu (@GaurangBhardwa1) April 16, 2024
