By For the third consecutive match, Rajasthan Royals had to fight till the final moments to stay competitive. This time, Jos Buttler’s found himself facing the last ball of the innings, with his side’s fate hanging in the balance. Despite a foot injury that had almost ruled him out, Buttler managed to secure a single with an inside-edged whip through mid-wicket, leading Rajasthan Royals to a thrilling last-ball victory.
During his unbeaten 60-ball 107, Buttler set several records, including his seventh IPL century and third in a successful run-chase (the most by any player). Rajasthan Royals chased down the joint-highest score in IPL history and registered the most runs in the last six overs of a successful chase. Despite facing physical pain and tough playing conditions, Buttler’s performance earned him widespread praise.
Sanju Samson described Buttler’s innings as one of his best in the IPL, while Rovman Powell ranked it among the top five T20 innings he had ever witnessed.
Buttler’s Scores a century
However, Buttler’s innings didn’t start smoothly. By the end of the 14th over, he was struggling at 42 off 33 balls, with only 22 runs coming off the last 21 deliveries. Sunil Narine had kept him in check. With wickets falling at the other end, Royals found themselves at 128 for 6, needing nearly a hundred runs in the last eight overs, with only Buttler and Riyan Parag providing substantial resistance.
Buttler’s assault began in the 15th over, with 96 runs needed in six overs. He took on Varun Chakaravarthy, hitting him for four boundaries: a flick, a slog through mid-wicket, a swat through backward square leg, and a pull through backward point.
