Jos Buttler increases IPL run-scoring lead with second century

England batsman Jos Buttler struck a second century in the 2022 Indian Premier League on Sunday.

Buttler struck 103 in the Rajasthan Royals' seven-run victory over the Kolkata Knight Riders at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.

He faced 61 deliveries and hit nine fours and five sixes, but was not named player of the match. The accolade went to Rajasthan leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal, who claimed figures of five for 40, including a hat-trick.

Buttler's second ton of this IPL season followed early April's 100 against the Mumbai Indians in Ahmedabad.

"I enjoyed both the centuries. I was a bit more fluent with this one," said Buttler.

"The wicket was a little bit sticky to start off with but once you got used to it, it was good to bat on. It was difficult for bowlers with one short side on the ground."

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Sunday's result pushed the Royals to second position in the 10-team standings. They have eight points to the first-placed Gujarat Titans' 10.

Mumbai and the Chennai Super Kings are the most successful teams in the history of the IPL with five and four titles, respectively. Both, however, are currently at the bottom of the table.

Buttler has become only the sixth player to strike more than one century in an IPL season.

West Indian Chris Gayle, South African Hashim Amla and Australian Shane Watson achieved the feat in 2012, 2017 and 2018, respectively.

Indians Virat Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan also achieved the milestone. Kohli did it in 2016 and Dhawan 2020.

Buttler has 375 runs in six innings this IPL season. Kolkata's Shreyas Iyer, Lucknow Super Giants' KL Rahul and Hardik Pandya are second, third and fourth to Buttler, respectively.

England star Liam