Buttler & Rutherford Crush RCB’s Hopes in Dramatic Finish

The Indian Premier League has a way of showing no mercy—just ask Josh Hazlewood. The Aussie pace ace, who had a dream start to the 2025 season, was brutally brought back to earth in a stunning late assault by Gujarat Titans’ Jos Buttler and Sherfane Rutherford, snatching victory from Royal Challengers Bengaluru in spectacular style.

Hazlewood’s Dream Run Meets Sudden Collapse

Coming into the game with two brilliant performances under his belt, Hazlewood looked every bit the strike bowler RCB needed. But with Gujarat needing just 20 off 18 balls and eight wickets in hand, Hazlewood was thrown the ball at the death—and it all unraveled quickly.

Buttler Goes Berserk: Two Massive Sixes in a Row

Jos Buttler, England’s recently stepped-down white-ball skipper, went on the offensive. He pulled off a ridiculous reverse ramp for six, followed by a deep midwicket smash for another, sending the Chinnaswamy crowd into stunned silence. Moments later, Rutherford joined the fun, muscling a leg-side six to end the match.

Five Balls. Twenty Runs. Hazlewood’s Nightmare Over.

In just five deliveries, Hazlewood leaked 20 runs—equal to the total he’d conceded in his previous two games combined. His final figures of 1-43 off 3.5 overs were a stark contrast to his earlier dominance and a harsh reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in the IPL.

Buttler Rediscovers Joy After England Exit

After a tough few months leading England through a disappointing Champions Trophy, Buttler looked like a man reborn. His 73* off 39 balls included six sixes and five fours. “I was just trying to play with freedom,” he said post-match. “I’ve had a tough patch, but I’m really enjoying my cricket again.”

Siraj Shines Against Former Team, Earns Player of the Match

While Buttler starred with the bat, it was fast bowler Mohammed Siraj who earned the Player of the Match honors. His emotional 3-19 wrecked RCB’s top order, especially sweet against the franchise that didn’t retain him.

Livingstone and Tim David Lead RCB’s Late Surge

RCB didn’t go down without a fight. Liam Livingstone powered his way to a 54 off 40 balls, while Aussie big-hitter Tim David blasted 32 off just 18, including a 16-run flurry in four balls before being bowled on the last delivery. Their efforts pushed RCB to 8-169—competitive, but not enough.

Redemption with the Bat: Buttler Makes Up for Fielding Errors

Despite a dropped catch and missed stumping, Buttler’s brilliance with the bat more than made up for his off moments in the field. He shared a 75-run stand with Sai Sudharsan (49), and together with Rutherford (30* off 18), guided Gujarat to a confident win and kept their momentum going.(Dubai7-Realmoneygame)