Assam’s captain, Riyan Parag, nearly etched his name in the Ranji Trophy history books with a blazing knock, registering the second-fastest century in the tournament’s history. This remarkable feat unfolded during Assam’s opening match of the season against Chhattisgarh at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium.
Following Assam’s second innings, Parag displayed an astonishing century in just 56 deliveries, ultimately amassing 155 runs off 87 balls. His whirlwind innings featured an impressive tally of 11 fours and an equal number of sixes. Despite Parag’s stellar performance, it may not prove sufficient to secure a victory for his team.
Parag’s explosive innings, however, played a crucial role in preventing Assam from succumbing to an innings defeat in their season opener. After winning the toss and choosing to field, Assam found themselves trailing as Chhattisgarh posted 327, led by captain Amandeep Khare’s 116 and Shashank Singh’s 82.
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Assam was then bowled out for 159, conceding a lead of 168 runs. With Chhattisgarh enforcing the follow-on, Parag, batting at 78/2, faced the challenge of losing partners regularly. Yet, he managed to build partnerships with Bishal Roy, Akash Sengupta, and the tail, guiding Assam to a total of 254. This set Chhattisgarh a target of 87 runs.
RIYAN PARAG – THE ONE MAN ARMY OF ASSAM….!!!!!
Captain Riyan Parag smashed 154* from just 82 balls while following on in the Ranji Trophy – This is just remarkable hitting. 🤯🔥 pic.twitter.com/VxJcayEuf9
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) January 8, 2024
As of the latest update, Chhattisgarh is cruising towards victory with ten wickets in hand. The record for the fastest century in the Ranji Trophy still belongs to Rishabh Pant, who achieved a 48-ball hundred for Delhi against Jharkhand in the 2016-17 season.
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In another notable upset, Puducherry secured a historic 9-wicket win against a lackluster Delhi side in Delhi. Gourav Yadav emerged as the star performer for Puducherry, claiming 7/49 in the first innings as Delhi was bundled out for a mere 148. Supported by Paras Ratnaparkhe’s 60 and Krishna’s 44, Puducherry posted 244 in their first innings, taking a commanding lead of 96 runs.
Delhi’s struggles continued in the second innings, as they were dismissed for 145, with Abin Mathew taking 5/39. Yadav added three more to his tally, concluding with a remarkable 10-wicket match haul. Needing just 51 to win, Puducherry achieved the target, losing only one wicket in the process.
