During IPL 2024, Riyan Parag continued his remarkable form by achieving his third fifty of the season in his fifth appearance for Rajasthan. Taking charge following Yashasvi Jaiswal and Jos Buttler’s difficulties, Parag reached his half-century in 34 deliveries.
He played a pivotal role in a significant partnership with captain Sanju Samson in their home fixture against Gujarat at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. In the past five seasons with Rajasthan since joining in 2019, Riyan Parag had only managed to hit two fifties.
However, there has been a remarkable transformation as the 22-year-old has already hit three fifties in the early stages of IPL 2024, silencing his critics. On Tuesday, Parag and Samson formed a formidable partnership, surpassing 100 runs, after losing their key openers in the powerplay.
Riyan Parag marked his fifty by lifting his bat in acknowledgement of the applause from the dugout. The Rajasthan support staff, led by head coach Kumar Sangakkara, rose to their feet, applauding the young player’s achievement.
You can watch the video here:
𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗴 𝗣𝗼𝘄𝗲𝗿! 💥💥
The in-form @rajasthanroyals batter smashes dual maximums against Noor Ahmad!
Watch the match LIVE on @JioCinema and @StarSportsIndia 💻📱#TATAIPL | #RRvGT pic.twitter.com/9YnmsVs8CC
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 10, 2024
Riyan Parag benefited from two drop catches by wicketkeeper Matthew Wade, who came back into the XI in place of Kane Williamson.
Both drops were off the bowling of Rashid Khan, but Parag capitalized on the chances. He struck four sixes and three boundaries, especially targeting left-arm spinner Noor Ahmed, who conceded 43 runs in four overs.
Both Samson and Riyan adopted a cautious approach on a pitch with an uneven pace, particularly following a steady drizzle before the toss on Thursday. Rajasthan reached 73 runs by the end of the first 10 overs.
However, Riyan’s aggressive batting ensured that they scored 61 runs in the subsequent 5 overs, setting the Royals up for a formidable total. It was in the 13th over that Riyan changed gears, hitting the younger of the two Afghanistan spinners for two sixes.
Riyan Parag is competing for the Orange Cap in IPL 2024. In fact, the 22-year-old held the cap until Virat Kohli claimed it with the first century of IPL 2024 against RR in Jaipur last week. Parag was only dismissed in the 19th over after scoring 76 runs off 48 balls.
IPL 2024: Battle for the Orange Cap
Virat Kohli scored 316 runs in 5 matches
Riyan Parag scored 251* in 5 matches
Sanju Samson scored 230* in 5 matches
Sai Sudharsan scored 191 in 4* matches
Heinrich Klaasen scored 186 in 5 matches
Riyan became the second player in IPL 2024 to surpass 250 runs, showcasing his consistent performance from domestic cricket into the IPL season. Similarly, Sanju Samson entered the top 5 after registering his third half-century of the season in just 31 balls against Gujarat in Jaipur on Wednesday.
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