Jos Buttler has hit a sensational 95 not out off 60 balls to help Rajasthan Royals beat Shane Watson's Chennai Super Kings by four wickets and stay alive in the Indian Premier League.
In reply to Chennai's 4-176, Buttler's third consecutive half-century helped Rajasthan make 6-177 with a ball to spare on Friday.
Rajasthan started their chase well. Allrounder Ben Stokes (11) was elevated to open with English compatriot Buttler and they put on 48 off only 24 balls.
But Stokes and skipper Ajinkya Rahane (4) fell in the space of five balls.
Sanju Samson (21) recovered and put on 46 runs for the third wicket with Buttler, who reached his fourth half-century of this IPL campaign off 26 balls.
After Samson was run out, Buttler took charge, striking 11 fours and two sixes during his knock.
Stuart Binny's 22 off 17 balls and Krishnappa Gowtham's (13) four-ball cameo including two sixes helped the chase, though they fell close to the finish line.
Buttler smashed 12 runs off the last over to keep Rajasthan in contention for an improbable knockouts spot.
"I haven't quite hit my straps in the IPL, so it was special to be not out in the end and get my side home," Buttler said. "The wicket played well and I just tried to capitalise on that."
Earlier, Suresh Raina (52) played anchor during Chennai's innings and guided them to a defendable total.
The visitors reverted to their former opening pairing of Ambati Rayudu (12) and Watson (39).
Jofra Archer (2-42) bowled Rayudu cheaply, but Watson and Raina put on 86 runs off 56 balls for the second wicket.
Chennai, well placed at 1-105, then lost both set batsmen within 10 balls. Watson was Archer's second dismissal.
Raina completed his third half-century off 32 balls, and fell to legspinner Ish Sodhi just when his team was looking to accelerate.
It was left to MS Dhoni (33 off 23 balls) again. He put on 55 runs off 40 balls with Sam Billings (27 off 22 balls) to propel the Chennai innings.
Share
