Riyan Parag dazzled the home crowd with an electrifying unbeaten knock of 84 runs from just 45 deliveries, while Yuzvendra Chahal and Nandre Burger claimed two wickets each, supported by Sandeep Sharma and Avesh Khan's superb bowling in the final overs, guiding Rajasthan Royals to a thrilling 12-run victory over Delhi Capitals. This win extended the streak of home teams triumphing in all Indian Premier League (IPL) 2024 matches held at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium on Thursday.
Parag's innings evolved into a spectacle, adorned with seven boundaries and six maximums, enabling RR to post a competitive total of 185/5. Captain Sanju Samson's astute bowling changes complemented the team's effort, with the bowlers executing their plans effectively, even as conditions became less favorable with reduced seam movement and the looming threat of dew. Avesh and Sandeep's precise execution of yorkers and wide lines in the death overs restricted DC to 173/5.
Initially, Parag's innings had a slow start, accumulating only 26 runs off the first 26 balls, as RR struggled to 58/3 in the initial ten overs. However, a change in momentum occurred following Ravichandran Ashwin's brisk cameo. Parag swiftly accelerated, scoring 58 runs off his next 19 deliveries, displaying impeccable timing and power to register his highest-ever IPL score, which ultimately proved decisive in the match outcome.
His remarkable onslaught propelled RR to accumulate 128 runs with the loss of only two wickets in the last ten overs, including a breathtaking display of 25 runs scored by Parag in the final over bowled by Anrich Nortje, transforming a seemingly improbable total into a competitive one.
Choosing to bowl first, DC's fast-bowling duo of Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Kumar capitalized on swing and seam movement, asserting dominance during the power-play. Mukesh dismantled Yashasvi Jaiswal's stumps, while Khaleel accounted for Samson's dismissal after conceding three boundaries. DC's decision to introduce spin early yielded dividends, with Kuldeep Yadav dismissing Jos Buttler and inducing Pant to initiate a review, resulting in Buttler's dismissal.
RR's tactical promotion of Ashwin as a pinch-hitter injected momentum into their innings. Ashwin's aggressive approach, marked by authoritative strokes, provided impetus, allowing Parag to overcome his sluggish start and take on the DC bowlers. Parag's partnership with Jurel and later contributions from Hetmyer ensured RR's total surged past the 180-run mark.
In response, DC's chase commenced with Mitchell Marsh's aggressive stroke play, but Burger's delivery shattered his stumps. David Warner countered with aggressive strokes, including scoops and lofted shots, before falling to Avesh's delivery caught brilliantly by Sandeep. Pant and Stubbs attempted to resurrect the innings, but Chahal's crucial wickets dented DC's hopes. Despite Stubbs' valiant effort, Avesh's composed final over ensured RR secured their second consecutive victory in the tournament.
In summary, Riyan Parag's sensational innings, supported by disciplined bowling performances from RR's bowlers, propelled them to a thrilling victory over DC, maintaining the trend of home teams dominating IPL 2024 matches at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
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