Decoding Rashid Khan's performance versus Jos Buttler in IPL
Rajasthan Royals (RR) would face an equally enthralling competitor Gujarat Titans (GT) in the grand finale of the 2022 Indian Premier League (IPL) season. Arguably, the biggest battle to watch out would be GT's leg-spinner Rashid Khan versus RR's swashbuckling batter Jos Buttler. Both have enjoyed a stellar run this season so far. We decode their performance against each other in the IPL.
Why does this story matter?
Both Rashid and Buttler are the mainstays for GT and RR, respectively. Rashid can be unplayable on his day courtesy of his leg-breaks and sharp googlies. He has showcased his mettle ever since he arrived in the IPL. Meanwhile, Buttler's competence puts him in a League of his own. When on song, the opening batter can shred even the best bowling attack into pieces.
Buttler has been Rashid's bunny in IPL
RR would be banking upon Jos Buttler's sublime form. The opening batter has slammed 824 runs so far, including four hundreds and as many fifties. However, the Englishman has fallen short in his IPL match-ups against ace leg-spinner, Rashid Khan. As per ESPNcricinfo, Buttler has scored 24 runs off 39 deliveries (average 8.00) against Rashid in the IPL. Also, Rashid has dismissed him thrice.
How has Rashid fared against Rajasthan Royals in IPL?
The Afghan leg-spinner has scalped nine wickets in eight matches against RR in the IPL. He averages 27.44 and has an economy of 6.17. His best bowling figures against the Royals in the tournament: 2/25.
Second overseas spinner to take 100 IPL wickets
Earlier in the season, Rashid became only the second overseas spinner to take 100 wickets in the IPL. Sunil Narine remains the only other foreign spinner to achieve this feat. Rashid also became the joint-fastest spinner to complete 100 IPL wickets with India's Amit Mishra. To date, Rashid has pocketed 111 wickets across 91 IPL matches at an incredible average of 20.85.
Buttler has attained these feats
In Qualifier 2 against Royal Challengers Bangalore, Buttler equaled Kohli's record of scoring most hundreds in an IPL edition (four). The former pummelled a 60-ball 106*, helping RR book a spot in the final against GT. In the process, Buttler became the first batter to score 800-plus runs this season. Buttler now has the most runs in the playoffs of an IPL season (194).
