Buttler outperforms Kohli with IPL centuries

Jos Buttler scored an unbeaten century to outdo Virat Kohli's first century of the IPL season, leading the Rajasthan Royals to a six-wicket victory over the Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday.

Buttler, who was playing his 100th IPL match, reached his century in 58 balls with a six, when Rajasthan required only one run to win their chase of 184. They achieved the target with five balls to spare in Jaipur.

Buttler, who found form after scoring only 35 runs in the previous three matches, partnered with captain Sanju Samson to put on a 148-run stand for the second wicket. Samson contributed 69 runs to the partnership.

Prior to this, Kohli reached his eighth IPL century in just 67 balls and remained unbeaten on 113, helping Bengaluru reach a total of 183-3.

Despite his efforts, inaugural champions Rajasthan remained unbeaten in the season with four wins, securing top spot in the 10-team table. They were followed by the second-placed Kolkata Knight Riders, who have won three out of three matches.

Buttler began slowly but then hit Mayank Dagar for three fours and a six in a 20-run sixth over, setting up the chase.

After joining Buttler following the loss of Yashasvi Jaiswal to the second ball of the innings, Samson also took on the opposition attack.

Both Samson and Buttler delighted the crowd at their home venue with delightful strokeplay, hitting 16 fours and five sixes between them.

Kohli achieved the first hundred of the 17th edition of the IPL, reaching the three-figure mark with a single off Nandre Burger. He then took off his helmet and raised his bat to a cheering crowd.

Kohli achieved his third fifty-plus score of the season by partnering with captain Faf du Plessis, who contributed 44 runs, to establish a solid foundation for the total.

Kohli completed his half-century in just 39 balls by hitting Riyan Parag down the ground for a six.

Du Plessis was caught at long-on by Yuzvendra Chahal. Burger dismissed Glenn Maxwell for one, which slowed down the surge.

Kohli responded strongly, hitting 12 fours, including three in the final over, and four sixes in his 72-ball innings.

He consolidated his position at the top of this year's batting chart with 316 runs in five matches.

Kohli is yet to win an IPL title with Bengaluru.