After a shaky start that left them reeling at 33/3 in the eighth over, Rajasthan Royals staged a remarkable recovery to post a formidable total of 185/5 at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium, having been put into bat first by Delhi Capitals on a lush green pitch.
The turnaround in fortunes was chiefly orchestrated by a sensational performance from Riyan Parag, who struck seven boundaries and six sixes. Despite previous setbacks in past seasons, the young cricketer from Assam vindicated the team management’s trust by achieving a career-best T20 score of 84 from just 45 deliveries.
Parag initially maintained a steady run rate until he reached 26 runs, but then unleashed a flurry of powerful hits, particularly targeting Anrich Nortje in the final over. The onslaught began fortuitously for Parag, as a thick edge off Nortje’s opening yorker narrowly evaded the keeper and short third man, resulting in a boundary.
Displaying pure skill, he then capitalized on a short-pitched delivery, sending it racing to the ropes, followed by dispatching a well-placed delivery into the stands with confidence. Despite Nortje’s attempt to counter with a wide yorker, Parag repeated his earlier success, and he saved his best for last.
RIYAN PARAG SMASHED 25 RUNS IN THE FINAL OVER AGAINST NORTJE. 🔥🤯
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 28, 2024
– The Madman of Rajasthan Royals.pic.twitter.com/5bg7riHxY2
Facing a 144 kph bouncer from Nortje, Parag displayed remarkable composure and technique, effortlessly pulling the ball across his body, sending it soaring high into the night sky. The ball cleared midwicket by a significant margin, leaving Parag’s batting partner Shimron Hetmyer astonished as he applauded the young batsman’s exceptional display.