Buttler stars as Rajasthan down RCB

hit an unbeaten 100 to trump Virat Kohli’s first century of the IPL season as Rajasthan Royals beat Royal Challengers Bengaluru by six wickets yesterday.

England’s Buttler reached his ton, from 58 balls, with a six in his 100th IPL match when Rajasthan needed one for victory in their chase of 184, with five balls to spare in Jaipur.

Buttler, who struck form after he scored 35 across the previous three matches, put on 148 runs for the second wicket with skipper Sanju Samson, who made 69.

“Had a little bit of luck, did not time it well, just got over the rope, delighted with the win,” Buttler said of his winning hit over the deep mid-wicket fence.

“However long you’ve played the game, you still have those anxieties and stresses. The mind is a powerful thing, just keep digging in, keep working hard and you need a little bit of luck along the way.”

Earlier, Virat reached his eighth IPL ton – the most by any batsman – in 67 balls and finished on an unbeaten 113 to take Bengaluru to 183-3.

But his effort was not enough as inaugural champions Rajasthan remained unbeaten in the season with four wins as they took top spot in the 10-team table, ahead of second-placed Kolkata Knight Riders who have three wins in as many matches.

Virat, 35, hit the first hundred of the 17th edition of the IPL as he reached the three-figure mark with a single off Nandre Burger and took off his helmet and raised his bat to a cheering crowd.

“I don’t want to be overaggressive, want to keep the bowler guessing. They want me to go hard and get me out,” Virat said.

“It’s just experience and maturity. I play the conditions and have the game ready.” – AFP