Priyansh Arya races to first century of Delhi Premier League

Left-handed batsman Priyansh Arya on Monday became the first player to score a century in Delhi Premier League as he coasted to 107 runs off 55 balls (9x4s, 7x6s) as South Delhi Superstarz notched up the highest total of the tournament – 235/3 – before sealing the match against Purani Dilli 6 by a whopping 88 runs.

Arya, who began in a circumspect manner, and allowed his opening partner Sarthak Ray (49 off 37) take the lead, hit the top gear after the powerplay. He added 101 for the first wicket with Ray and then blazed to a 90-run partnership off 35 balls for the second wicket with skipper Ayush Badoni (56 off 20 balls), who was in sublime touch and enthralled the crowd with his reverse slog hits, the second of which led to his dismissal and a few words from pace bowler Prince Yadav that he negated with a smile.

Arya, however, carried the bat to etch his name in record books.

“It feels great because people remember the first player. I want to score more centuries. I hope to score 2-3 more centuries in the tournament,” said Arya, who is focussing on Delhi’s upcoming domestic season.

“I was finding it difficult to score early on. But I felt that the longer I stay at the wicket, it will help me and the team. I had thought to play all 20 overs.”

Prior to this match, Arya had scored three half-centuries. This time he buckled down to bat till the end on a pitch that played true.   

“I had decided beforehand that I have to play all 20 overs. In the earlier innings I used to get 50-60 and was getting out. This time I wanted to play the entire innings,” said Arya, who is fond of playing the pull and the shot over cover.  

While Arya went about scoring briskly, Badoni was unstoppable at the other end.

Ayush Badoni blazed his way to 56 off 20 deliveries 

“I have been practicing the reverse slog over the past few sessions at nets. I am glad I got it,” said Badoni.

Interestingly, both Badoni and Arya opened the bowling with their spin.

“The idea was to ensure that the opposition goes for shots and risk getting out in chase of a big total,” said Arya after the match. He now has 344 runs in five games, the highest in the tournament. His skipper Badoni is the second highest run-getter with 244.

Brief Scores

South Delhi Superstarz 235/3 in 20 overs (Priyansh Arya 107* off 55, Ayush Badoni 56 off 20, Prince Yadav 2/41) beat Purani Dilli 6 147/9 in 20 overs (Arnav Bugga 36 off 37, Arpit Rana 29 off 19, Digvesh Rathi 3/13)

Tags : Delhi Premier League, Cricket, Priyansh Arya, Ayush Badoni, Purani Dilli 6, South Delhi Superstarz, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Ferozeshah Kotla