Assam Cricketer Riyan Parag hits 2nd fastest century in Ranji Trophy

Riyan Parag hits 2nd fastest century in Ranji Trophy: In a stunning display of cricketing prowess, Assam’s star all-rounder Riyan Parag etched his name in the annals of the Ranji Trophy history with a blazing century that stands as the second-fastest in the tournament’s storied legacy. The 20-year-old dynamo achieved this remarkable feat in Assam’s opening match of the 2023-24 season against Chhattisgarh on Monday, leaving cricket enthusiasts in awe of his talent.

Riyan Parag hits 2nd fastest century in Ranji Trophy

Parag’s century, achieved off a mere 56 balls, showcased his aggressive and fearless batting style, as he smashed boundaries and sent sixes soaring against Chhattisgarh’s bowlers. The all-rounder’s innings culminated in an impressive total of 155 runs off 87 balls, boasting a striking strike rate of 178.16. His innings comprised 11 fours and an astounding 12 sixes, leaving a trail of destruction in the opposition’s bowling ranks.

This feat now places Riyan Parag just behind wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant, who holds the record for the fastest century in Ranji Trophy history, achieved in the 2016-17 season against Jharkhand. Parag’s 56-ball century also ranks as the fourth-fastest century among Indian players in first-class cricket, adding another feather to his illustrious cap.

This outstanding performance comes on the heels of Parag’s exceptional run in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in October 2023, where he created history by smashing seven consecutive fifties. This remarkable achievement solidified his status as the first player to accomplish such a feat in the history of T20 cricket.

Despite Riyan Parag’s heroics, Assam faced a setback in their opening Ranji Trophy match against Chhattisgarh in Raipur. Chhattisgarh posted a formidable 327 runs in their first innings, setting a challenging target for Assam. In response, Assam managed to score only 159 runs, with Parag contributing just eight runs in the first innings.

Chhattisgarh enforced the follow-on, presenting Parag with another opportunity to showcase his mettle. True to form, the young captain rose to the occasion, smashing a record century in the second innings. However, the lack of support from his teammates resulted in Assam being bundled out for 254 runs, holding a slim lead of 86 runs.

In a valiant effort, Chhattisgarh successfully chased down the target of 87 runs in a mere 20 overs, securing victory in the match. While Assam may have faced defeat, Riyan Parag’s extraordinary innings has undoubtedly left an indelible mark on the cricketing landscape, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in Indian cricket. As the season unfolds, cricket enthusiasts eagerly anticipate more stellar performances from this young and promising talent.

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