Riyan Parag, an all-rounder for the Rajasthan Royals (RR), not only rescued the team from a difficult situation, but also concluded the game in style, hitting 25 runs off Anrich Nortje. On Thursday, March 28, the right-handed batsman performed heroics against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Coming in at No.4 inside the powerplay, Riyan Parag faced the difficult challenge of navigating RR to safety against a powerful bowling unit. He took his time settling at the crease, reaching a run-a-ball 26 while Ravichandran Ashwin faced the bowlers on the other end.
Parag came into his own in the latter portions of the innings, and despite the fact that reputed finisher Shimron Hetmyer was at the other end, it was the kid who took up the challenge. RR were 160/5 after 19 overs, and Nortje was charged with bowling the innings’ last over.
Riyan Parag opened the over with a four to third man, followed by another, this time a powerful pull shot. He then sent out a six-over long off, expecting a full delivery from Nortje despite the field’s indications.
The right-handed hitter was able to hit another four towards third man before pulling to midwicket for a six off the last delivery. The innings ended with a single off the final ball, resulting in a total of 25 runs from the over.
Take a look at the flurry of boundaries from Parag’s bat right here:
Riyan Parag’s Heroics Lead RR to 185/5 Total
The Rajasthan Royals (RR) were suffering at 36-3 in the eighth over, and they were considering and preparing Rovman Powell to come in as an impact player. However, Parag executed his role flawlessly, carried the game deep, and guided RR to a total that they could have predicted from the outset.
“I have put in a lot of practice, I’ve practised against those kind of (bowling of Nortje). I had my options ready for both sides of the wicket – I was backing mys strengths, I know I had the power, it’s good when it comes off. Sanju bhai told me to take it deep, I was confident that I could get a lot of runs. It wasn’t easy for a new batter to come and score, you needed someone to stay until the end.”
Riyan Parag
DC has began its run chase, with David Warner and Mitchell Marsh beginning the innings for the visitors.