RR vs KKR: Riyan Parag becomes third batter after Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant to achieve this massive milestone
Published - 16 May 2024, 03:12 PM | Updated - 23 Aug 2024, 10:45 PM
Rajasthan Royals (RR) all-rounder Riyan Parag achieved a massive milestone during the recent match against the Punjab Kings (PBKS). Riyan Parag became the third batter, after Rohit Sharma and Riyan Parag, to reach the landmark in the Indian Premier League (IPL).
The Royals suffered a five-wicket loss at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati on Wednesday, May 15. The Sanju Samson-led team failed to defend a below-par 145 target. The visiting team successfully chased down the target with seven balls to spare.
Sanju Samson opted to bat first after winning the toss. The home team lost the wicket of opener Yashasvi Jaiswal in the first over. Samson and Tom Kohler-Cadmore tried to steady the innings. The duo added 36 runs in a partnership off 36 balls for the second wicket.
The Punjab bowlers picked up wickets at regular intervals in the middle overs. Riyan Parag top-scored for the Royals, scoring 48 runs off 34 balls with the help of six boundaries. Ravichandran Ashwin, who scored 28 runs off 19 balls, was the second batter to score 20 runs.
Riyan Parag Completes 500 Runs In IPL 2024
During his knock, Riyan Parag completed 500 runs in the ongoing T20 tournament. It marked Parag's first 500-run season in his IPL career. He also became the third batter after Rohit Sharma and Rishabh Pant to score 500+ runs in an IPL season while batting 4 or below.
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In response, Punjab captain Sam Curran played a crucial innings. Curran scored 63 runs off 41 balls, including five boundaries and three sixes. The PBKS skipper remained unbeaten at the crease till the end. RR suffered its fourth consecutive loss in the IPL 2024 season.
We Are Going Through Failures - Sanju Samson
RR skipper Sanju Samson urged the team to show resilience following their defeat to PBKS. He highlighted the team's previous struggle in the latter part of the previous season, missing out on the playoffs.
"We have to sit back and accept that we are going through failures, have lost four games on the trot. Got to find out what's not working out for us as a team. Somebody needs to step up, we have so many match-winners in the team. This is the time we need to show character," Samson said.
Sanju Samson is experiencing the best form of his career. Samson has amassed 504 runs this season, marking the first time the Kerala batter has crossed the 500-run milestone. His previous best season was in 2021, when he scored 484 runs in 14 matches.
The Royals are in second place in the table with 13 points in 13 games. The Jaipur-based team needs to win their last league stage match to finish in the top two spots. The team will face the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the same venue on Sunday, May 19.
