Faf du Plessis and Wayne Parnell star as RCB thrash Rajasthan Royals in IPL

Du Plessis continued his fine form with bat, and extended his lead at the top of the runs-scoring charts, hitting 55 from 44 balls as RCB went to a total of 171-5.

The former Proteas captain was well-supported by Australia international Glenn Maxwell who struck 54 off 33 deliveries while Anuj Rawat played a cameo of 29 not out off just 11 balls.

Parnell then ripped into the Royals' batting ;ine-up with figures of 3-10 as the inaugural tournament winners were bowled out for a paltry 59 to succumb to a big defeat.

The Proteas left-arm seamer took the big wickets of England internationals Jos Buttler (0) and Joe Root (10) and also accounted for Royals skipper Sanju Samson (4).

Parnell was named man-of-the-match for exploits with the ball as RCB claimed their sixth victory of the campiagn and lift them to fifth in the table.