Rajasthan Royals stars Riyan Parag and Nandre Burger shared a lighthearted banter after helping their team beat Delhi Capitals (IPL) in an IPL 2024 match on Thursday. A rejuvenated Parag stole the show with the bat, clobbering an unbeaten knock of 84 runs off 45 balls, taking RR to 185/5 in 20 overs. Burger, on the other hand, returned figures of 2/29, including two wickets in the same over to dent DC's chase. RR held on for a narrow 12-run win as DC could only manage 173/5 in 20 overs.
Parag hammered seven fours and six sixes, and took Anrich Nortje to the cleaners in the final over, scoring 25 runs.
After the match, Burger was all praise for Parag, but also took a jibe at the 22-year-old for hammering his fellow South African Nortje.
"Thanks for batting so well, you gave me the chance to bowl. Without you, I wouldn't have had the chance. Not happy you took on a fellow countryman. But I'am glad because you're in my team. I tell you, that last over was sensational," Burger said.
Parag suggested that is was nice to get his career-best IPL score
"This is my sixth year, I was here since I was 17 and this is my highest score. So pretty pleased and that last over, I was planning it. So lovely when a plan comes through and comes to life," Parag responded.
Parag was named Player of the Match for his exploits. He had revealed that he felt sick prior to the game and had to take painkillers before taking the field.
"I have worked very hard, the last 3 days I was in bed, I was on painkillers, I just got up today and I'm very happy," Parag said at the presentation ceremony.
He went on to credit his domestic form for his impressive start to IPL 2024.
"I know what my opinion is about myself. That does not change regardless of whether I get a zero or not. That's a lot to do with the type of season as well, I had a great domestic season and that helps. Someone in the top four has to play the 20 overs, the wicket was keeping low and stopping, in the first game Sanju bhayya did it," he added.
(With ANI Inputs)