In a thrilling encounter at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Jos Buttler’s unbeaten century stole the spotlight as Rajasthan Royals secured a six-wicket win over Royal Challengers Bangalore. Despite Virat Kohli’s stellar 113 not out for RCB, Buttler’s remarkable innings, sealed with a six to reach his hundred, guided RR to victory with five balls to spare.
Chasing RCB’s formidable total of 183/3, Buttler’s heroics led RR to a commanding total of 189/4. His century off just 58 balls overshadowed Kohli’s excellent knock and propelled RR to the top of the points table in IPL 2024.
Partnering with skipper Sanju Samson (69 off 42 balls), Buttler forged a sensational partnership of 148 runs in 14.2 overs, overcoming the early dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal. Buttler’s aggressive approach, particularly against left-arm spinner Mayank Dagar, set the tone for RR’s chase. His return to form was evident from the outset, as he unleashed an array of strokes, including his trademark scoop over the keeper.
Samson’s explosive fifty, coupled with Buttler’s relentless assault, ensured RR maintained control throughout the innings. Even when Samson fell after a spectacular boundary, RR remained composed, ultimately clinching victory with Buttler’s unbeaten century at the helm.
This victory not only extends RR’s winning streak but also highlights Buttler’s pivotal role in their success, reaffirming his status as one of the most potent batsmen in T20 cricket.
Kohli’s Historic Century Overshadowed by RCB’s Middle Order Woes
In a match that showcased the evolving dynamics of T20 cricket, Virat Kohli’s maiden IPL fifty at the venue, as he opened the innings for RCB, proved to be a testament to his adaptability. However, despite Kohli’s gritty century off 67 balls, RCB’s middle-order collapse underscored the challenges teams face in modern T20 cricket.
Partnering with Faf du Plessis in a formidable 125-run opening stand, Kohli’s innings exemplified his exceptional form in the tournament, consolidating his position as the top run-scorer with a total of 316 runs at an impressive average of 105.33 and a strike rate of 146.29.
Kohli’s strategy of capitalizing on any loose deliveries saw him dominate the pacers, scoring 67 runs off 39 balls at a staggering strike rate of 171.79. Although he faced relatively slower progress against spinners, accumulating 46 runs off 33 balls at a strike rate of 139.39, Kohli managed to unleash a flurry of boundaries, including four sixes.
However, the combined brilliance of Yuzvendra Chahal and R Ashwin stifled Kohli’s momentum against spin. Chahal’s crafty bowling, which yielded two crucial wickets for 34 runs, and Ashwin’s disciplined spell, conceding just 28 runs without conceding a boundary until the final over, posed significant challenges for RCB’s batting lineup.
Despite Chahal’s pivotal breakthrough, dismissing du Plessis, RCB’s middle-order woes persisted, resulting in their fourth loss of the season against Rajasthan Royals, leaving them with just one win.
Kohli’s heroic century may have been a highlight, but RCB’s inability to capitalize on his stellar performance reflects the intricate balance of power and strategy in modern T20 cricket.
