Anuj Rawat, the talented wicketkeeper-batter from Delhi, showcased his growing stature in Match 20 of the Delhi Premier League (DPL) 2024. Representing East Delhi Riders, Rawat played a breathtaking knock of 121 not out off just 66 balls, anchoring his team’s innings and setting a daunting target for the opposition.

Anuj Rawat’s explosive century sets the stage

Known for his consistent performances in the Indian Premier League (IPL) with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Rawat demonstrated his ability to rise to the occasion in the DPL. Starting his innings with measured caution, he reached his fifty in 38 balls, but what followed was an exhibition of pure power-hitting.

In a display of aggressive intent, Rawat took only 21 more balls to score his next fifty, smashing 11 sixes in the process. His century was a blend of precision and power, reached on the second ball of the 19th over, followed by two consecutive sixes that underscored his dominance at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. Immediately after the century, Rawat copied the celebration of RCB stalwart Chris Gayle. He removed his helmet, and balanced the helmet on the bat handle.

Here’s the video:

𝐀𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐚𝐭 𝐠𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐮𝐩 𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐢𝐧! 🏏

Anuj Rawat gets his maiden #AdaniDPLT20 1️⃣0️⃣0️⃣ in 𝑠𝑡𝑦𝑙𝑒!🤩 #AdaniDelhiPremierLeagueT20 #AdaniDPLT20 #DilliKiDahaad | @JioCinema @Sports18 @delhi_cricket pic.twitter.com/OeDkpbjTet

— Delhi Premier League T20 (@DelhiPLT20) August 29, 2024

Also WATCH: Ayush Badoni demolishes Hrithik Shokeen with 4 sixes in an over in DPL 2024

Sujal Singh’s power-packed knock complements Rawat

Not to be overshadowed, Sujal Singh, Rawat’s opening partner, played a scintillating innings of his own, scoring 108 not out off just 57 balls. Sujal’s knock was equally crucial to East Delhi Riders’ massive total, as he kept pace with Rawat, matching him shot for shot. His innings included seven fours and nine towering sixes, reflecting his ability to dismantle the opposition’s bowling attack. Together, Rawat and Sujal formed an unbreakable partnership, amassing 241 runs without losing a wicket—a feat that now stands as the second-highest opening partnership in T20 history. Sujal’s aggressive approach provided the perfect balance to Rawat’s calculated onslaught, making their partnership a nightmare for Purani Dilli 6‘s bowlers.

Vansh Bedi’s heroics fall short in Purani Dilli-6’s chase

In their response, Dilli-6 faced a steep challenge and despite a valiant effort by middle-order batter Vansh Bedi, they fell short of the target. Bedi played a remarkable knock of 96 runs off just 41 balls, nearly single-handedly keeping his team in the hunt. His innings was marked by explosive hitting, as he took on the Delhi Riders’ bowlers with fearless intent.

However, despite Bedi’s heroics, Dilli-6 ultimately fell 26 runs short of the target, unable to overcome the pressure of chasing such a massive total. Harsh Tyagi emerged as the most effective bowler for the Riders, taking three key wickets and applying the brakes on Purani Dilli-6’s chase. Bhagwan Singh and Mayank Rawat chipped in with two wickets each, while skipper Himmat Singh added another, ensuring that Delhi Riders secured a comprehensive victory.

Also WATCH: Ayush Singh Thakur channels his inner Jasprit Bumrah to dismiss Sarthak Ranjan with a brilliant yorker in DPL T20 2024

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