IPL 2018: Buttler Heroics Too Hot To Handle For MI

Rajasthan Royals overcame Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede in match number 47 of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2018. This in turn has boosted their chance to qualify for the play-offs as they notched their sixth win of the tournament. It was Buttler’s heroics that was too hot to handle for MI as they now run the risk of being knocked out of the 11th edition.
A seven wicket victory propelled by a 94-run masterclass by Buttler helped Ajinkya Rahane’s side go the distance in this bunch encounter. Buttler was once again pivotal as he stayed till the end to ensure a victory for his side. For the third match in a row, Buttler made the difference for RR with back to back innings that had class written all over.
In pursuit of 169 runs, RR chased down the target with two overs to spare. Such was the ease in the way they got to the line as Buttler was once again unstoppable. For MI, Evin Lewis scored a 60, but that wasn’t enough as MI could not get the score they would have liked.
RR are fifth in the table as MI dropped down to sixth. Both teams have two matches left in the group stages this season.

What an innings from @josbuttler. Propels the @rajasthanroyals to a 7-wicket win over #MumbaiIndians #MIvRR pic.twitter.com/nwcbJQIvh9

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 13, 2018

Here is the match in numbers.

1. MI opener Surya Kumar Yadav now holds the record for most number of runs scored in an IPL season as an Indian uncapped player (473) runs.
2. He surpassed former KXIP player Paul Valthaty’s tally of 463 runs in 2011.
3. This was the 18th match between the two sides in IPL and the Royals notched their eighth victory.
4. At the Wankhede Stadium this was the sixth game and Mumbai Indians still lead the proceedings with 4-2 scoreline.
5. This was Jos Buttler’s fifth successive fifty in IPL 2018.
6. He is also the highest run-getter for RR in IPL 2018 (509).
7. He became the fifth player to get to 500+ runs in the season.
8. Jofra Archer notched his 13th wicket in IPL 2018 and is the highest wicket-taker for Rajasthan Royals.
9. Hardik Pandya reached 17 wickets this season and is three behind Purple Cap holder Andrew Tye.

Jos Buttler in a new dimension altogether

Is there any stopping the Englishman? After a stupendous 95 runs in the previous match against Chennai Super Kings, Buttler was once again the hero for RR against MI. His hard-hitting abilities and the ability to be an anchor in the chases have become a striking factor for RR.
He has played an important role in pushing the team for the play-offs fight and credit to RR for letting him open the innings off late. Buttler was once again a top entity going against a famed MI bowling line-up and coming out on top. He knew the situations well at Wankhede after having played for MI earlier.
Chasing totals have now become a habit for RR and thanks to Buttler for the fireworks he keeps providing. He has been valuable and a power packed performer since shifting to the role as a batsman atop. His 95-run stand with Ajinkya Rahane defined the art of chase for RR. Another 50+ partnership with Sanju Samson took the game away from MI.

Suryakumar, Lewis have developed an understanding

The Mumbai Indians opening combination of Suryakumar Yadav and Evin Lewis have developed an understanding that has been a big positive factor for the defending champions. The star-studded duo added 87 runs for the first wicket and gave a stern batting display at the Wankhede.
With their time in the middle, the duo negotiated against the RR bowlers in a manner that suited their play. Evin Lewis was the standout batsman hitting a sublime 60 runs. His innings was packed with four fours and four sixes. The duo have been involved in several impressive opening stands and Sunday was another example. The running between the wickets looked pleasing to the eye and they complimented each other well.

Archer proving to be a class recruit

RR bowler Jofra Archer has gone on to become a pivotal player for RR in this vital stage of the tournament. He was once again instrumental with the ball after ending with figures of 2/14 in four overs. That, in turn, helped RR gain the momentum and restrict MI to 168/6.
Archer’s variations and the slower ball has been a top attribute of him and he used it to perfection once again. He picked the best wickets of the day and got Lewis and Rohit Sharma that changed the perplexing nature of the game. With RR now needing two more wins, Archer can take center stage and be the match-winner.