Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy: Riyan Parag becomes first cricketer to hit six consecutive fifties in T20 cricket

• Image Credit: Google

• Oct 27, 2023 | Dhupali Das

Assam cricketer Riyan Parag has made history with an exceptional display of T20 batting prowess, securing his position as the only cricketer with an...

Digital Desk: Assam cricketer Riyan Parag has made history with an exceptional display of T20 batting prowess, securing his position as the only cricketer with an unprecedented six consecutive half-centuries. His latest feat came during a group match of the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, where he led Assam to a thrilling two-wicket victory over Kerala with an unbeaten 57-run innings.

Despite Parag's incredible consistency, Assam still faces an uphill battle in Group B, currently occupying the third position. Kerala leads the group, and the competition remains fierce.

In his seven innings during this remarkable streak, Parag has amassed a staggering 440 runs, maintaining an astonishing average of 110 and an impressive strike rate of nearly 193. Kerala, in their attempt to set a competitive target, was limited to just 127 runs, courtesy of a brilliant performance by Assam's Avinov Choudhury, who claimed two crucial wickets.

Parag, who also captains the Assam team, took the crease with his side at 46/2. He partnered with Sibsankar Roy, adding 32 crucial runs and demonstrated composure as wickets fell at the other end. Eventually, he joined forces with Avinov to secure the victory for Assam in the final over.

Previously, Parag had notched up five consecutive half-centuries against Bihar, Services, Sikkim, Chandigarh, and Himachal Pradesh, an achievement that had him tied with cricketing legends like Virender Sehwag and Devon Conway.

The young cricketer has been enjoying a stellar domestic season, kickstarting his impressive run with the Deodhar Trophy in August. In the tournament, he emerged as the top run scorer, accumulating 354 runs in just five innings, boasting an average of 88.5 and a striking strike rate of 136.67. Parag also showcased his all-round abilities by taking 11 wickets in five matches.

While Parag's batting has been the highlight, he has also been honing his carromball bowling skills under the mentorship of Ravichandran Ashwin at his IPL franchise, the Rajasthan Royals. However, his IPL journey in 2023 wasn't as successful, as he managed just 78 runs in seven matches with a meager average of 13, resulting in his exclusion from the XI.

As rumors circulate about the upcoming IPL auction, scheduled for December 19 in Dubai, Parag's fate with the Rajasthan Royals remains uncertain, with the possibility of his release looming on the horizon. Regardless of the outcome, his extraordinary T20 performance has undoubtedly etched his name in the annals of cricket history.