IPL 2023: PBKS vs RR: Rajasthan Royals surprised many fans when they included Riyan Parag in the Playing XI for the must-win clash against Punjab Kings. Parag came in place of injured Ravichandran Ashwin but RR fans were not too pleased with the inclusion of the all-rounder due to his lack of form. However, Parag showed a glimpse of his potential during the match when he hit two back-to-back sixes against Kagiso Rabada. Follow IPL 2023 LIVE updates with InsideSport.IN
Chasing 188, Rajasthan Royals were 155/4 and needed 33 off 18 balls when Parag took charge. The all-rounder got a free hit after Rabada overstepped. Parag deposited the free hit delivery over deep midwicket for a big six.
Parag’s next six was even bigger as he whipped the next delivery over deep midwicket for a 93-meter six.
However, Rabada had the last laugh as he dismissed the batter on the final delivery of the over through a leading edge to backward point.
The 21-year-old batter made six appearances in the IPL this season before this match and only managed to get 58 runs at a poor average of 11.60. He scored 20 off 12 deliveries which helped the RR to get a win.
The Royals registered a 4-wicket win to keep their Playoffs hopes alive.
Devdutt Padikkal and Yashasvi Jaiswal scored fifties, while Hetmyer played a brilliant 46-run knock down the order to lead RR to win. Earlier, after being put to bat, PBKS were reeling at 50/4 but Sam Curran (49*) and Shahrukh Khan (41*) provided the late surge to power the hosts to 187/ 5.
Rajasthan are now placed fifth on the points table with 14 points in 14 matches. They now need MI and RCB to drop points in their respective matches to get through to final four.
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