Mumbai Indians hosted the Rajasthan Royals in the second match of Super Sunday (May 13), where the latter registered a comprehensive seven-wicket victory to keep their playoff hopes alive.
After being put into bat, Mumbai rode on Evin Lewis’ 42-ball 60 and Hardik Pandya’s 21-ball 36 to score 168/8 in 20 overs.
Chasing the stiff target, Rajasthan needed a solid platform upfront but they couldn’t get one as D Arcy Short was removed by Jasprit Bumrah for just 4.
Jos Buttler, however, carried on his good form and forged a 95-run stand for the second wicket with skipper Ajinkya Rahane to shift the momentum in Royals’ favour.
After Rahane’s dismissal on 37, Sanju Samson came out at the crease to partner Buttler. The duo shared a 61-run partnership before Samson departed for 26.
Buttler eventually remained not out on 94 off 53 balls to saw Rajasthan home with 12 balls to spare. It was Buttler’s fifth consecutive fifty in this year’s IPL.
Twitterati were in awe to see the audios strokeplay of Buttler that helped RR to record their third consecutive win.
Here are some of the top tweets lauding Jos Buttler and Royals’ consistency:
This is a massive win for @rajasthanroyals .They can attribute this wonderful turnaround to Jos Buttler, who ever since he has opened has made RR look a different side altogether. Feel very happy for @ajinkyarahane88 #MIvRR
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) May 13, 2018
You’re good at batting @josbuttler ! ???????????? https://t.co/yGUe7VKwlz
— Sam Billings (@sambillings) May 13, 2018
Butler has ben transformational yo RR'a fortunes ever since he was confirmed as opener
— Cricketwallah (@cricketwallah) May 13, 2018
It is amazing how one man is carrying the hopes of an entire side and single-handedly winning them games with ease day in day out. @josbuttler is the flavour of the season for the @rajasthanroyals #MIvRR
— Hemang Badani (@hemangkbadani) May 13, 2018
Awesome knock from @josbuttler to beat MI & equal the record of 5 consecutive T20 innings! Fantastic entertainment!
— Mark Ramprakash (@MarkRamprakash) May 13, 2018
Rayudu, Suryakumar, Buttler...asked to open and they’ve come to their own. Their former teams didn’t view them as regular openers... #MIvRR #IPL
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) May 13, 2018
.@josbuttler is staking his claim to be player of the tournament. This is the third game in a row he has now delivered to @rajasthanroyals
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 13, 2018
Sir you're my favourite batsman @josbuttler
— Eoin Morgan (@Eoin16) May 13, 2018
@josbuttler Sir, you play very good Opening batting. https://t.co/1HzK8fe7hW
— Brendon McCullum (@Bazmccullum) May 13, 2018