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[Saba Sports News] Jos Buttler hit a decisive six to notch his century, leading Rajasthan Royals to a thrilling six-wicket victory over Royal Challengers Bangalore, despite Virat Kohli’s earlier unbeaten 113 at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
With the score tied at 183, Buttler, standing at 94, launched Cameron Green over the boundary to clinch his hundred and seal the Royals’ fourth straight win in IPL 2024. Chasing 183/3 set by RCB, the Royals reached 189/4, winning with five balls remaining.
Buttler’s explosive 58-ball century overshadowed Kohli’s remarkable innings, marking his eighth unbeaten hundred in the IPL. The partnership of Buttler and captain Sanju Samson, who scored 69 from 42 balls, easily chased down the challenging target, propelling the Royals to the top of the leaderboard. Despite Kohli’s significant contribution, accounting for over 60% of RCB’s total, the team’s power hitters failed to provide adequate support, leaving their total less challenging for the Royals’ potent batting lineup.
The dismissal of Yashasvi Jaiswal early on did not deter Buttler and Samson, who forged a dazzling 148-run partnership over 14.2 overs. Their aggression was particularly notable against Mayank Dagar, with Buttler leading an assault in Dagar’s second over to rapidly advance their team’s position.
This victory was highlighted by Buttler’s return to form, demonstrated by his aggressive play and Samson’s stylish half-century. Despite a solid start from RCB, led by Kohli and his opening stand with Du Plessis, the middle order’s failure, including Glenn Maxwell and Cameron Green, left Kohli to carry the innings. Kohli’s effort made him the tournament’s leading scorer, but RCB’s strategy struggled against the bowling of Yuzvendra Chahal and R Ashwin, who kept the batsmen in check.
With this loss, RCB’s season continues to falter, now with four defeats and only one win.