Australian batsman Brad Hodge hammered 48 not out off 21 balls on Tuesday to lead Rajasthan to a five-wicket win over Deccan Chargers, taking the Royals back to the top of the Indian Premier League table.

Hodge smashed two sixes and six fours as Rajasthan scored 5-197 in 19.4 overs in reply to Deccan’s 2-196 at Sawai Man Singh Stadium.

In-form Ajinkya Rahane hit 44 and captain Rahul Dravid 42 as other contributors in Rajasthan’s impressive victory.

For Deccan, South African batsman JP Duminy (58 not out) and Shikhar Dhawan (52) were the main scorers.

Rajasthan won their fourth game from six games, while Deccan are winless after three matches.