Rajasthan Royals Repeat History With Epic Run Chase Against KKR In IPL 2024; Explore IPL's Highest Run Chases Ever

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Riding upon a magnificent century from their star opener Jos Buttler, Rajasthan Royals clinched a thrilling victory over Kolkata Knight Riders by two wickets in a sensational encounter at Eden Gardens on Tuesday (April 16).

Facing a daunting target of 224, which equalled the highest ever in IPL history, the Royals successfully chased it down on the last ball of the nail-biting encounter to replicate their previous accomplishment in the tournament. IPL 2024 Points Table | Stats

Before this game, RR held the record for the highest run chase in IPL history when they overhauled the target of 224 against Kings XI Punjab, now Punjab Kings, in September 2020 at Sharjah.

With this exceptional knock of 107* off 60 deliveries, the 34-year-old English wicketkeeper-batter, who played as an Impact Substitute in this game, against KKR showcased his class and calibre. This IPL century will surely rank among the greatest innings in IPL history, particularly in run chases.

Despite losing partners at the other end, the calm and composed Buttler - who isn't just England's batting mainstay but also their limited-overs captain - anchored the innings with determination, consistently adding runs from his end.

Entering the crucial phase of the innings, RR required 79 runs off just 30 balls with six wickets already down by the end of the 15th over. However, Buttler, alongside West Indies' dynamic batsman Rovman Powell, steadied the ship and guided their team to victory. Buttler took the responsibility upon himself, scoring the remaining runs while Avesh Khan remained unbeaten at the other end.

In the 18th over, bowled by Mitchell Starc, KKR conceded 18 runs, with Buttler punishing the bowlers as he approached his century. Despite Varun Chakaravarthy's efforts in the final over, Buttler's composed batting ensured RR's triumph. His century, achieved with a six against the spinner, proved pivotal as he calmly scored a double off the fifth ball to level the scores before securing the winning single off the final delivery.

With 12 points from 7 games, RR appears poised to secure the first playoff berth in IPL 2024. Conversely, KKR will rue missed opportunities, particularly their bowling performance in the death overs, which ultimately cost them the match despite Sunil Narine's impressive maiden T20 century ending in vain.

Highest Targets Successfully Chased in IPL, Till April 16 2024