IPL 2019 – Twitter Reactions: Varun Aaron, Riyan Parag keep RR afloat with a thrilling win over KKR

Rajasthan Royals rode teenager Riyan Parag’s heroics to keep their hopes of IPL 2019 playoffs berth alive by pulling off a dramatic three-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) who were pushed to the brink of elimination, in a thrilling contest at the Eden Gardens on Thursday.

Dinesh Karthik silenced his critics with a career-best 97 not out as KKR posted 175/6 in 20 overs after being asked to bat first.

Karthik promoted himself to No. 4 and smashed nine sixes and seven fours in his 50-ball unbeaten knock, as KKR hit top gear in the back end of the innings, scoring 126 off the last 10 overs.

In reply, the Royals were down in the dumps at 98/5 after 13 overs before 17-year old Parag — who was dropped on a duck by Sunil Narine (2/25) off his own bowling — came of age with a 31-ball 47.

All-rounder Jofra Archer also smacked an unbeaten 12-ball 27 to hit the winning runs by smashing a four and a six off Prasidh Krishna in the first two balls of the final over in which nine was required. Royals put on 177 for 7 in 19.2 overs and won the game with four balls to spare.

Here’s how Twitter reacted:

Is saal ki apni akhri match mein kamaal kiya is #karatekid ne. #KKRvRR #jofraarcher
— Irfan Pathan (@IrfanPathan) April 25, 2019

Riyan Parag 🙌
I feel really very happy wenever I see a youngster win a match for his team ❤️
This is the main reason why I love watching the IPL ❤️ #IPL2019 #KKRvRR #RiyanParag
— Bhavesh Lamba (@LambaBhavesh) April 25, 2019

https://twitter.com/iAzorAhai_/status/1121479596212391936

This Riyan Parag looks a serious cricketer. Didn't think he'd grow so much in a year, when I watched him at the U19 WC last year, but he has. The kid can play!
— Aaditya Narayan (@AadityaN_28) April 25, 2019

Riyan Parag & @VarunAaron all smiles post the last over thriller at Eden Gardens #IPLSelfie #VIVOIPL @rajasthanroyals #KKRvRR pic.twitter.com/34LtoqzAXv
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 25, 2019

2⃣ wickets
2⃣0⃣ runs
1⃣7⃣ dots
Presenting to you the Man-of-the-Match, @VarunAaron!#HallaBol #KKRvRR #RR pic.twitter.com/YTUaiItN3W
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) April 25, 2019

Superb spell @VarunAaron – good to see you fit & going strong, Varun!
Takes more skill than you can imagine to release those slower ones the way he did with great seam position too…
Now STOP calling him Varun Arun…That's NOT his name!#RR #RRvKKR #IPL2019 @StarSportsIndia
— Suhail Chandhok (@suhailchandhok) April 25, 2019

https://twitter.com/aivishaal/status/1121456097917722625

https://twitter.com/J_R_D2210/status/1121479671516782592

Excellent batting under pressure from the young lad, Riyan Payag!#IPL2019 #KKRvRR pic.twitter.com/eARiQA4tYY
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) April 26, 2019

Kkr had almost won this game until a 17year old boy Riyan parag took away the game from them 👏👏Good to see young talents in IPL
— Nishom (@iamnishom) April 25, 2019

This Riyan Parag has something really special in him. Every one talks about Gill & Shaw, just look at his temperament & maturity he is showing at this stage of match. He is just 17, and will go up and up from here. Wanna see him more.
Sad for Russell.#KKRvRR
— Sanaya (@Sarcaswari) April 25, 2019

What a talent this kid #RiyanParag is! So cool, calm & collected in such pressure situation! He was hit on helmet, but played more aggressively & sensibly after! Remember he is just 17 yr old, playing infront of a big Kolkata crowd. He needs to be nurtured. #KKRvRR #IPL2019
— ThatCricketGuy (@abhijeetsarap) April 25, 2019

Varun Aaron won his second Man of the Match award yesterday!#IPL2019 #KKRvRR pic.twitter.com/iLJannSbU7
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) April 26, 2019