IPL 2019: Riyan Parag becomes the youngest player to score an IPL half-century

Rajasthan Royals’ Riyan Parag has become the youngest player to score an IPL half-century. The young sensation from Assam achieved this feat during an IPL clash against Delhi Capitals (DC) at the Feroz Shah Kotla on Saturday.

Parag scored his first fifty aged 17 years 175 days, to break the record of the youngest half-centurion, which was held by Sanju Samson, when he had scored an IPL fifty aged 18 years 169 days in 2013.

Last year, Delhi opener Prithvi Shaw came close to breaking the record, as he scored his first fifty aged 18 years 169 days, while Rishabh Pant hit his first IPL half-century aged 18 years 212 days in 2016. Shubman Gill too scored his first fifty in 2018, aged just 18 years 237 days.

#FunFact
Youngest players to score a Vivo @IPL 5⃣0⃣
Riyan Parag – 1⃣7⃣y 175d 😎
Sanju Samson 18y 169d
Prithvi Shaw 18y 169d
Rishabh Pant 18y 237d
All 4 of them are playing today. #DCvRR #RR #HallaBol pic.twitter.com/qOcZZ2VrMg
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) May 4, 2019

Parag, who made his IPL debut this year, has so far played seven matches, scoring 160 runs at an average of 40. His strike-rate is 128.0.

The boy wonder that is, @ParagRiyan! 💗
🔁 if you're calling him Mr Cool! 😎😉#HallaBol #RR #DCvRR pic.twitter.com/VfC7z4h05o
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) May 4, 2019

He is also a leg-break bowler and has so far taken two wickets.

He made his IPL debut against Chennai Super Kings on April 11.

Parag was a member of the World Cup-winning India’s under-19 team in 2018.

Here’s is how Twitter reacted to Parag’s knock against DC:

Saw another dimension to Riyan Parag's cricket and it was very good to see. #GemFromAssam
— Harsha Bhogle (@bhogleharsha) May 4, 2019

I love the 'Gamusa,' the traditional Assamese cloth Riyan Parag has on his waistband while playing. Proudly carrying a little piece of Assam to the IPL. pic.twitter.com/9F3KAKSsFh
— Joy Bhattacharjya (@joybhattacharj) May 4, 2019

Riyan Parag, youngest player to score a #VivoIPL halfcentury. He has such a gr8 temperament. Looks a natural ball striker, but paced his innings well on a difficult pitch today. 17yr old showing older colleagues the way. An exciting group of young Indian players coming through.
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) May 4, 2019

Something special about Riyan Parag. All of 17 but batting like he’s been playing at this level for 17 years… #DCvRR
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) May 4, 2019

Take a bow..Riyan Parag!#DCvRR pic.twitter.com/58gu2mA92o
— RVCJ Media (@RVCJ_FB) May 4, 2019

Riyan Parag has been super impressive. Maturity belies his age. And it’s baffling how #RR struggled to find a higher batting slot for him….even in the absence of Buttler and Smith. #DCvRR #IPL
— Aakash Chopra (@cricketaakash) May 4, 2019

https://twitter.com/FarziCricketer/status/1124649857078026240

Riyan Parag scores his maiden IPL fifty. Rajasthan Royals 115/8 in 20 overs against Delhi Capitals#IPL2019 #DCvRR pic.twitter.com/1ET0MAUXJo
— CricketTimes.com (@CricketTimesHQ) May 4, 2019

https://twitter.com/_cricketsparsh/status/1124649710495518722