New Delhi, Rajashtan Royals batsman Riyan Parag brilliant 50 half century helped RR post 115/9 in the stipulated 20 overs against Delhi Capitals at the Feroz Shah Kotla fround here on Saturday.
Earlier, RR won the toss and opted to bat against DC.However, for RR it was Parag’s 50 superb half century further taking RR to 115/9, but was bowled by Trent in the last ball of the last over caught at long off by Rutherford.
Parag smashed 50 off 49 balls striking 4 fours and 2 sixes while Varun Aaron remained not out at 3. Parag showed great maturity in becoming the youngest man to reach 50 in an IPL game.
Rajasthan Royals openers Ajinkhya Rahane and Livingstone struggled to score runs from the very start of the game and put up just 11 runs for the first wicket.RR received a major jolt when skipper Rahane was dismissed by Ishant Sharma caught by Shikhar Dhawan at fine leg in the 2nd over.Rahane just added 2 runs on the scoreboard after facing 4 balls.
After Rahane’s exit RR batsman were under pressure to keep the scoreboard ticking. Though RR batsman managed to hit few boundaries, but taking the score to a fighting total they needed to hit regular boundaries.
However, it was Gopal and Parag were brave enough to score 27 for the fifth wicket partnership.Then Gopal was bowled by Amit Mishra in the 12th over stumped by Rishabh Pant. Gopals’ 12 came off in 18 balls without any boundaries.
However, wickets kept falling for RR one after another in form of Livingstone 14, Sanju Samson 5, Lomor 8, Gopal 12, Binny 0, Gowtham 6.After Gopal’s departure Riyan Parag stood firm at the other end but RR wickets kept falling and along with Sodhi took score to 30 for eight wicket partnership.
Parag and Sodhi who were going strong with their partnership was broken by Trent Boult in the 18th over caught at cover by Amit Mishra. Sodhi scored 6 off 11.
For DC Ishant and Mishra took three wickets each to decimate the Royals while Trent Boult took 2 wickets.