Jos Buttler's dream IPL continues as fourth ton seals final spot for Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals batsman Jos Buttler extended his sensational form in IPL 2022 as he smashed a record-equalling fourth century to guide his team to victory against Royal Challengers Bangalore on Friday and seal a spot in Sunday's final against Gujarat Titans.

Chasing 158 for victory at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, Buttler blasted an unbeaten 106 off 60 balls as Rajasthan reached 161-3 with 11 balls to spare.

Bangalore, made to bat in the second qualifier, had earlier managed just 157-8 as fast bowlers Prasidh Krishna and Obed McCoy picked up three wickets each on a helpful surface.

Buttler’s sixth six proved to be the winning runs. His fourth ton equaled Kohli’s record in the 2016 IPL.

It will be the second final appearance for Rajasthan who won the inaugural edition in 2008 under late Australian hero Shane Warne.

"To be able to get the opportunity to go and play in the final of the biggest T20 tournament in the world is incredibly exciting," said Buttler, who also leads the tournament's batting chart with 824 runs.

"You mention Shane Warne, he is such an influential figure for the Rajasthan Royals and having led the team to success in that first season, we will miss him dearly, but we know he is looking down on us with a lot of pride today."

Umran Malik (Sunrisers Hyderabad, 9 matches, 15 wickets, Best 5-25, Economy 8.44) - 9 out of 10: The Jammu and Kashmir youngster is the fastest bowler in the competition, with a top speed of 154kph (95.6mph). He has the best bowling figures for any bowler this season but has also gone for runs on more than one occasion. Almost certain to play for India soon, and possibly feature at the T20 World Cup in Australia. Sportzpics for IPL

Rajasthan fans held life-size posters