Rajasthan Royals stars Riyan Parag and Nandre Burger shared light-hearted banter after helping their team defeat Delhi Capitals (IPL) in IPL 2024 on Thursday. A new-look Parag stole the show with the bat, scoring an unbeaten 84 runs off 45 balls to improve RR to 185/5 in 20 overs. Berg, on the other hand, returned figures of 2/29, including two wickets in the same over, to dent DC’s chase. RR held on to win by 12 runs while DC could only manage 173/5 in 20 overs.

Parag hit 7 fours and 6 sixes and bowled Anrich Nortje for 25 runs in the final over.

After the game, Berger was full of praise for Parager, but also mocked the 22-year-old for beating his fellow South African Nortje.

“Thank you for batting so well and for giving me a chance to bowl. Without you, I wouldn’t have had a chance. Not happy that you are playing against a fellow countryman. But I am happy because you are in my team. I tell you , that last game was great,” Berg said.

Parag says it’s great to get career-best IPL results

“This is my sixth year, I’ve been here since I was 17 and this is my top score. It’s really nice, finally, that I’m planning it. It’s so lovely when the plans come together and come to fruition,” Pa Raghu replied.

Parag was named the man of the match for his outstanding performance. He revealed that he felt uncomfortable before the game and had to take painkillers before taking the field.

“I have worked very hard and I have been in bed for the past three days, taking painkillers and I just got up today and I am very happy,” Parag said at the award ceremony.

He went on to attribute his stellar start to IPL 2024 to his domestic performances.

“I know how I feel about myself. It doesn’t change whether I get zero points or not. It also has a lot to do with the type of season, I had a great domestic season which helped. Former Four have to play 20 overs, keep wickets low and stop, and in the first game Sanju bhayya did that,” he added.

(With ANI input)