In an exciting clash on Sunday, Rajasthan Royals, who were down and out for most of their chase against the Sunrisers Hyderabad ended up stunning the David Warner-led side by five wickets, thanks to a brilliant partnerhip between Rahul Tewatia and Riyan Parag.
The two batsmen got together at the end of the 11th over when Sanju Samson departed with the innings tottering at 78/5.
They needed 81 runs in 8 overs to end their 4-match losing streak and register their third win in IPL 2020.
Although the chips looked down, the two batsmen combined to pull of a heist. The 6th-wicket partnership of 85 runs between the two went on to turn the tables in favour of Rajasthan Royals. Parag (42* off 26) and Tewatia (45* off 28) took charge and won the game for Rajasthan by adding 85 runs in 47 deliveries. With 2 required off the last 2 deliveries, Parag launched a six against Khaleel Ahmed to seal the deal for RR.
Analysing the match on his Facebook channel titled ‘Viru Ki Baithak’, former India batsman Virender Sehwag applauded the Rajasthan Royals all-rounder Rahul Tewatia for once again pulling his team out of trouble and handing them a crucial win.
“In Dubai, Tewatia and Parag took Hyderabad to the cleaners. If anyone can snatch victory from jaws of defeat, it is Rahul Tewatia,” Sehwag said.
The former batsman from Delhi also praised the young Rajasthan Royals batsman Riyan Parag for staying with Tewatia and earning his team the crucial win.
“Sunrisers Hyderabad managed to score 158 runs on a slow wicket, which in reality was a good score. Rajasthan Royals then sent in Ben Stokes to open with Jos Buttler. But neither of the two batsman worked for them, and nor did the skipper Steve Smith and Sanju Samson.
“Riyan Parag injected energy into the innings, and then the rest of the surgery was done by ‘Singham’ Tewatia. So much so that even Rashid Khan could not have stop the batsman.”
