'Riyan's small innings was exactly what we needed': RR head coach Sangakkara lauds under-fire captain's 16-ball 29

"Riyan's small innings was exactly what we needed to bring the momentum back our way," Sangakkara said in the post-match press conference.

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Parag has managed to score 117 runs from nine innings at an average of 14.62 and strike rate of 124.46.

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Half-centurion Ferreira, impact player Dube win it for Royals

Parag walked in to bat in the 10th over after Dhruv Jurel fell for a 20-ball 16. Parag took on the spinners, hitting Yuzvendra Chahal and Harpreet Brar. In the 14th over, he hit Chahal for a six and a four. But, he was caught at deep mid-wicket on the last ball of the over. He hit two fours and as many sixes during his stay at the crease.

When he departed Donovan Ferreira was still new to the crease, RR were 151/4 and they needed 72 runs from six overs. In the slog overs, Ferreira and impact player Shubham Dubey turned the tide. Ferreira contributed with a 26-ball 52 whereas Dubey scored 31 runs from just 12 deliveries. They shared an unbeaten 77-run partnership for the fifth wicket, leading RR over the line with four balls to spare.

Sangakkara praised Dubey as well for easing the pressure off Ferreira. He was sent ahead of Dasun Shanaka.