Jos Buttler delivered an exception as performance with the bat, scoring a brilliant century to lead Rajasthan Royals to a thrilling last-ball victory over Kolkata Knight Riders. Chasing a daunting target of 224 at Eden Gardens, Buttler smashed the ball to all parts of the ground. His sensational knock silenced the home crowd as he hit the winning run on the last ball of the match.

Despite losing batting partners, the 33-year old maintained composure and hit regular fours and sixes. He opened the innings with Yashasvi Jaiswal. The English batter shouldered responsibility during the death overs to get the job done.

In IPL 2020, Rajasthan Royals achieved the tournament’s record by successfully chasing down a 224-run target against Punjab Kings. Jos Buttler led the Royals to repeat this feat on Tuesday at Eden Gardens, as the inaugural IPL champions equaled their record of the highest run chase.

Highest successful run-chase in IPL

• 224 – Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings – RR won by 4 wickets – IPL 2020
• 224 – Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders – RR won by 2 wickets – IPL 2024
• 219 – Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings – MI won by 4 wickets – IPL 2021

Most runs scored after the 6th wicket in a successful IPL chase

103 – RR vs KKR, Kolkata, 2024

91 – RCB vs GL, Bengaluru, 2016 Q1

85 – CSK vs MI, Mumbai WS, 2018

Buttler’s astonishing batting also took him ahead of Chris Gayle on the list of the most IPL centuries. He still trails RCB star Virat Kohli. However, the England wicketkeeper now has the most IPL tons in a run chase, surpassing Kohli’s previous record of two. Additionally, the England white-ball captain matched Pakistan white-ball captain Babar Azam’s numbers for the most T20 centuries scored in a winning cause.

Most IPL centuries

• Virat Kohli – 8
• Jos Buttler – 7
• Chris Gayle – 6

Most centuries in IPL run-chases

• 3 – If Buttler
• 2 – Virat Kohli
• 2 – Ben Stokes

Most T20 centuries in a winning cause

• 16 – Chris Gayle
• 8 – Babar Azam
• 8 – If Buttler

A thrilling encounter went down to the final over, with RR needing 9 runs to win. Jos Buttler smashed Varun Chakaravarthy for a six off the very first ball. The off-spinner bowled three dot balls, putting pressure back on Buttler. He took a double off the fifth delivery. Buttler took a single on the last ball to compete a memorable win for Rajasthan. He finished unbeaten on 107 off 60 balls, packed with 9 fours and 6 sixes.

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