CRICKET NEWS - The hard-hitting Jos Buttler and a superb allround bowling performance spearheaded the Rajasthan Royals to a comfortable 15-run triumph over the Kings XI Punjab in Tuesday's key Indian Premier League fixture at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur.
Buttler's brisk 82 powered Rajasthan to a sufficient 158 for eight, after which Punjab's response was restricted to an entirely inadequate 143 for seven.
The result lifted the Royals from last position to sixth in the eight-team standings - and kept them in contention for a playoff berth. Punjab remained in third spot despite defeat - and also remain in the running for the next round.
Opener Lokesh Rahul - now the 2018 tournament's leading run-scorer - fought valiantly during the visitors' pursuit, but severely lacked support. His standalone 91 not out from just 70 balls was the only double-figure score among the top seven batsmen.
