Riyan Parag creates history, becomes first cricketer to score six consecutive fifties in T20s

Rajasthan Royals batter Riyan Parag has been playing some fantastic cricket for Assam in the ongoing Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.

He etched his name into the history books on Friday, October 27, as he became the first cricketer to score six consecutive half-centuries in T20 cricket. His unbeaten 33-ball 57 against Kerala helped him achieve the remarkable feat.

Parag, who is the skipper of Assam, won the toss and opted to bowl first at the Bandra Kurla Complex in Mumbai. Kerala managed to score just 127 runs in their 20 overs as talismanic captain Sanju Samson made only eight. Before his swashbuckling half-century, Parag bowled four overs and finished with figures of 1/17. Mrinmoy Dutta and Avinov Choudhury starred with the ball with identical figures of 2/21. Sibsankar Roy also chipped in with a wicket.

In reply, Kerala bowlers bowled with a lot of venom and had Assam on the mat at 101/8 with 27 runs required off 14 balls. However, thanks to Parag's blitzkrieg, Assam got to the target with three balls to spare. It is interesting to note that Parag hit just one four and six sixes during his innings. This win will be special as it has broken Kerala's streak of six consecutive wins.

With this win, Parag's men climbed to the third spot in Group B, behind Kerala and Himachal Pradesh. The 21-year-old made it to the top of the list of leading run-getters as he finished the group phase with 440 runs in seven games at an incredible average of 110 and a strike rate of 192.98.

Parag has received a lot of flak on social media for his lack of performances in the Indian Premier League. After playing 54 IPL matches, the right-handed batter averages just 16.22. However, he has age on his side, and the promising start to the Indian domestic season will surely give him a lot of confidence going forward.