The young Riyan Parag silenced his critics and justified his reputation as a rising star with a magnificent unbeaten knock of 84 off 45 in the IPL 2024 match against Delhi Capitals (DC) on March 28. Parag's explosive batting single-handedly steered Rajasthan Royals (RR) to a crucial 12-run victory over DC at Jaipur's Sawai Mansingh stadium.
Riyan Parag wreaks havoc
Rajasthan got off to a patchy start as they found themselves in a precarious position at 36/3 after the eighth over. However, this is where Parag stepped into the spotlight. Promoted to bat at no.4 this season, he displayed utmost composure and took charge of the innings. His unbeaten knock, laced with seven boundaries and six towering sixes, propelled the Royals to a competitive total of 185/5. Parag's confidence was particularly evident in the final over, where he faced the experienced South African pacer Anrich Nortje. Parag toyed with Nortje as he unleashed his power-hitting barrage on him, amassing a staggering 25 runs off the final over. His knock served as a crucial turning point in the match and laid the foundation for the Royals' victory.
I was on painkillers for the last 3 days: Riyan Parag
After the match, Parag revealed the hard work he put in to bask in the spotlight. He also said that he was in bed for the last three days and was on painkillers. But his resilience and tenacity got him up and running and saw him become the hero of the match. The star batter from Assam was also adjudged the Player of the match for his exceptional batting.
“[emotions] They are settled, mom is here, she has seen the struggle, the last 3-4 years. I know what my opinion is about myself. That does not change regardless of whether I get a zero or not. That's a lot to do with the type of season as well, I had a great domestic season and that helps. Someone in the top four has to play the 20 overs, the wicket was keeping low and stopping, in the first game Sanju bhayya did it. I have worked very hard, the last 3 days I was in bed, I was on painkillers, I just got up today and I'm very happy,” Parag said after the match.
Notably, Parag had a terrible season in IPL 2023 as he could only amass 78 runs in a span of seven innings. But he has turned it all around in IPL 2024 as he has so far scored 127 runs in a mere two matches and will look to go even further in the ongoing season.
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Meanwhile, talking about DC's chase, Rishabh Pant's men put up a valiant effort but ultimately fell short by 12 runs. Despite a late fightback from South African youngster Tristan Stubbs, who remained unbeaten on a blazing 44 runs off just 23 balls, DC could only manage 173/5 in their allotted 20 overs.
Stubbs' knock kept the Capitals in contention until the very last over. Needing a staggering 17 runs for victory in the final six deliveries, the pressure mounted. However, Avesh Khan, the Rajasthan Royals bowler, held his nerve and conceded only 4 runs, securing a crucial win for his team. This victory marked Rajasthan's second consecutive win in the IPL 2024 season.
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