Assam's Riyan Parag becomes Ranji record breaker with 56-ball century

Guwahati: Riyan Parag, captain of the Assam cricket team, has started the 2023-24 domestic season with a bang, smashing a 56-ball century against Chhattisgarh in the ongoing Ranji Trophy encounter in Raipur.

Parag's innings, which included 11 fours and 12 sixes, is the fourth fastest century among Indians in first-class cricket.

He led from the front with the bat, thumping 155 runs off just 87 balls at a strike rate of 178.16.

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Parag's century is also the fastest by an Assamese batsman in first-class cricket, surpassing the previous record of 62 balls held by Syed Fayyazuddin.

Parag's knock was the highlight of a disappointing day for Assam, who lost their opening-round match to Chhattisgarh by 10 wickets.

Despite Parag's score, Assam could only muster 159 runs in their first innings, with the captain scoring only eight runs.

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Chhattisgarh had the follow-on and that followed Parag smashing a record century in the second innings.

However, apart from him, only three other batters could reach the double-digit scores as Assam were bundled out for 254 runs with a lead of 86 runs.

Chhattisgarh chased down the score without much fuss.

Parag's performance will be a boost to his confidence as he looks to cement his place in the Indian cricket team.

The 22-year-old has already played for India A and is seen as one of the most promising young talents in the country.