Buttler finds form before snatching win in thriller

Jos Buttler, a key figure in England’s 2019 World Cup triumph, delivered a standout performance in the Indian Premier League as Gujarat Titans secured a dramatic one-run victory over Delhi Capitals. His 52-run contribution in 27 balls was a crucial highlight, marking a return to form after a 18-match drought without a half-century. The innings included five sixes, with a memorable scoop and a towering shot over long-on, before he fell in the eighth over.

Scorecard

Delhi Gujarat Titans 210-4 (20 overs): Gill 70 (45), Sundar 55 (32), Buttler 52 (27). Delhi Capitals 209-8 (20 overs): Rahul 92 (52), Miller 41* (20).

Buttler’s impact didn’t end there. He orchestrated a dramatic final-ball run-out, dismissing Kuldeep Yadav with an underarm stumping from his wicketkeeping position. The India spinner and South Africa’s David Miller attempted to score a single, but their efforts were thwarted by a lucky throw from the England legend.

“Amazing,” Buttler remarked. “Great to get the win. It was a very lucky throw but I am delighted. We desperately needed a win and I am glad we managed to sneak through.”

The victory came after a challenging T20 World Cup, where Buttler struggled with a streak of five single-figure scores. Despite this, England retained his services through their semi-final run. His latest score, a 52 from 27 deliveries, was his first fifty since a 97 not out in the SA20 tournament in January. Previously, he had averaged 10.9 in eight T20 World Cup matches and scored 38 from 33 balls in the IPL.

With the match in the balance, Buttler’s 14-ball 26 in the IPL’s early stages showed glimpses of his form. He opened the innings with a six over long-on and later hit India’s Axar Patel for four over extra cover. The all-rounder Mukesh Kumar faced a scoop and drive from Buttler, helping Gujarat accumulate 63 runs in the first five overs.

“I’ve been searching for runs, but felt in good touch since I’ve been here,” Buttler added. “I’ve played long enough to know it will come back at some point.”

The England wicketkeeper’s performance was a boost after his place in the national team was questioned during the World Cup. Now, with the IPL concluded, he will compete in the T20 Blast for Lancashire before facing India in England’s upcoming white-ball series in July. The team’s attention will soon shift to the 50-over format, with the next World Cup set for the autumn of 2027. Buttler’s last 50-over fifty dates back to February 2023, and he averaged 17.9 across 30 international innings this winter.