The Rajasthan Royals picked up a crucial seven-wicket victory over the Kings XI Punjab on Friday to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Despite a magnificent 99 by Chris Gayle, the Royals had enough firepower in their batting unit to get past the KXIP with more than two overs remaining.

The West Indian superstar delivered another iconic innings with the bat that unfortunately saw him fall one run short of another spectacular century as the KXIP ended on 185-4 in their 20 overs.

Ben Stokes raced to a quick-fired half century at the top of the order as him and Robin Uthappa got the Royals off to best possible start before the former departed for 50.

Sanju Samson contributed a much-needed 48 before Steve Smith and Jos Buttler saw their team to victory with valuable respective knocks of 31 and 22 not out.

The win saw the Royals moved up to fourth on the IPL log as the competition heads into the business end of proceedings.