IPL 2024 pivotal point: Jos Buttler’s century enables RR to pull off a record chase and defeat KKR by two wickets. KKR vs. RR

New Delhi: On Tuesday, April 16, at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) defeated the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) by two wickets, capping the most successful chase in IPL history with to Jos Buttler’s batsmanship. Sunil Narine’s valiant efforts were in vain. Buttler struck an incredible innings of 107 without losing to help RR win the match and stay atop the IPL 2024 points table in a last-ball drama.

RR didn’t have the best of starts at the Eden Gardens as they attempted to chase a daunting 224 runs, losing opener Yashasvi Jaiswal (19) and captain Sanju Samson (12) for very little. Buttler, on the other hand, maintained a good lead and collaborated with players such as Riyan Parag and Rovman Powell to form significant alliances and help RR win the difficult chase.

After missing RR’s most recent match against Punjab Kings, Buttler took his time acclimating to the circumstances and settling in well upon his return to the starting lineup. After recovering from a sickness, he didn’t seem to be at his best, but he still produced one of his greatest IPL innings to lead his side to victory. For the third wicket, Buttler and Parag had a 50-run partnership.

Although he contributed with a rapid 34 off 14 balls, Parag, who has been in excellent form for RR this season, was unable to turn the start into a significant total. Following Parag’s departure, RR lost wickets quickly in the middle over players like Dhruv Jurel (2), Shimron Hetmyer (0), and R Ashwin (8) who all quickly returned to the pavilion.

Powell had a scorching cameo at position eight, which shifted the balance of power in RR’s favor. After taking out Narine in the 17th over and scoring 26 off only 13 balls, the West Indies power batter reduced the necessary 46 off the next three overs. The game’s last ball saw Buttler team up with the tail-enders and carry his team home by scoring the game’s final runs on his own.

In the penultimate over, Buttler struck two sixes and a boundary off pacer Harshit Rana, helping RR take 19 runs out of it and cut the total down to just 9 runs needed off the final over. The game was far from finished, as he began the 20th over from spinner Varun Chakaravarthy with an incredible six to clinch his ton off only 55 balls.

After Chakaravarthy spun a web, Buttler continued to stop singles until he was able to sneak a double on the fifth ball of the over. The England player stole a single with one ball remaining to secure a thrilling win for the Rajasthan Royals. In order to accomplish the most successful 224-run chase in IPL history, RR shattered their own record.

The valor of Narine was in vain.
Earlier, Narine shone at the bat for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the first session, amassing a stunning 109 runs off only 56 balls to help them put a solid 223 runs on the board at the Eden Gardens. Maintaining his golden patch as an opener, Narine looked incredible as he amassed his first IPL ton off only 49 balls, sending the RR bowlers to the cleaners.

His fireworks-filled 109 included an astounding 13 fours and a six as he delighted the Eden crowd. But in spite of his valiant efforts, RR easily defeated KKR, as the bowlers were unable to hold off the large total. In addition, Narine had a great session with the ball, capturing two wickets in 4 overs and conceding only 30 runs.

As the Rajasthan Royals get closer to the playoffs
The Rajasthan Royals, who have been playing fantastically this season, won their sixth game in as many meetings on Tuesday. With 12 points, they are still atop the IPL 2024 points standings and are now only two victories away from guaranteeing a postseason participation. Having been the team to beat this season, Samson & Co. will be looking to make history by becoming the first team to guarantee a spot in the IPL 2024 playoffs.