KKR vs RR, IPL 2024 turning point: Jos Buttler’s ton helps RR pull off record chase, beat KKR by 2 wickets

New Delhi: Sunil Narine’s batting heroics went in vain as Jos Buttler helped Rajasthan Royals (RR) pull off the highest successful chase in the history of the Indian Premier League (IPL) to beat Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by two wickets at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata on Tuesday, April 16. Buttler slammed a magnificent knock of unbeaten 107 to help RR clinch a last-ball thriller in the top-of-the-table clash and retain their top spot in the IPL 2024 points table.

In pursuit of a hefty target of 224 runs, RR didn’t get off to an ideal start at the Eden Gardens, losing their opening batter Yashasvi Jaiswal (19) and skipper Sanju Samson (12) cheaply. However, Buttler held one end strongly and combined with the likes of Riyan Parag and Rovman Powell to share important partnerships and take RR over the line in the tricky chase.

Buttler took his time to get a hang of the conditions and settle down well on his return to the XI after missing RR’s last game against Punjab Kings. Returning from an illness, he didn’t look at his fluent best but managed to play one of the finest knocks of his IPL career to take his team home. Buttler combined with Parag to share a 50-run partnership for the third wicket.

Parag, who has been in fine form for RR this season, played his part with a quickfire 34 off 14 balls but couldn’t convert the start into a big score. After Parag’s departure, RR lost quick wickets in the middle with the likes of Dhruv Jurel (2), Shimron Hetmyer (0) and R Ashwin (8) returning back to the pavilion in quick succession.

Powell turned the tide in RR’s favour after arriving at no.8 with a blistering cameo. The West Indies power-hitter scored 26 off just 13 balls and took down Narine in the 17th over to bring the equation down to 46 required off the last three overs. Buttler then joined hands with the tail-enders and single-handedly propelled his side home by scoring the winning runs on the last ball of the game.

Buttler smashed two sixes and a boundary in the penultimate over from pacer Harshit Rana to help RR take 19 runs from it and reduce the equation to only 9 runs required off the last over. He started the 20th over from spinner Varun Chakaravarthy with a sensational six to complete his ton off just 55 balls, but the game was far from done yet.

JOS-ball 🔥#KKRvRR #TATAIPL #IPLonJioCinema #JosButtler | @rajasthanroyals | @josbuttler pic.twitter.com/AeQRFvlz3H

— JioCinema (@JioCinema) April 16, 2024

Chakaravarthy managed to spin a web and Buttler kept denying singles until he eventually managed to sneak a double on the 5th ball of the over. With 1 to get off the last ball, the England star managed to steal a single to seal a nerve-wracking victory for Rajasthan Royals. RR broke their own record to pull off the highest successful chase of 224 runs in the IPL.

Narine’s heroics went in vain

Earlier, Narine starred with the bat for KKR in the first innings as his brilliant knock of 109 runs off 56 balls helped them post a strong total of 223 runs on the board at the Eden Gardens. Continuing his purple patch as an opener, Narine looked in fabulous touch as he took the RR bowlers to the cleaners en route to his maiden IPL ton which came off just 49 balls.

His 109 was laced with an impressive 13 fours and a six as he entertained the Eden crowd with his fireworks. However, despite his heroics, the KKR bowlers failed to defend the big total as RR cruised to a thumping victory. Narine also bowled an excellent spell with the ball, giving away only 30 runs off his 4 overs while taking two wickets.

Rajasthan Royals inching closer to playoffs

Rajasthan Royals have been enjoying a stellar run this season as they bagged their sixth win in just seven matches on Tuesday. They continue to remain in the top spot on the IPL 2024 points table with 12 points and are now just two wins away from assuring themselves a berth in the playoffs. Samson & Co. have been the team to beat this season and will be hoping to become the first team to secure a berth in the playoffs in IPL 2024.

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