Two to tango: Anuj Rawat, Sujal Singh set up record partnership in DPL

East Delhi Riders openers Anuj Rawat and Sujal Singh shared an unbeaten double-century partnership, an effort that was enough to help their side beat Purani Dilli 6 by 26 runs in a Delhi Premier League match’

Rawat scored 121 not out off 66 balls (11x6s, 6x4s) while Sujal made 108 off 57 balls (9x6s, 7x4s) as set up a daunting 241/0 at the Ferozeshah Kotla grounds at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Thursday night.

The Riders built their innings in a consistent manner, reaching 50 at the end of the powerplay and then getting 100 in 10.4 overs.

“We are very happy. When we started we didn’t expect that we will get to a double century partnership but as the innings progressed we started to get the belief,” said Anuj Rawat after the match.

“When you start progressing in the game and you get into a flow, you realise what score is better on this pitch.

The partnership was well-paced with Sujal outscoring Rawat in the first phase and then Rawat getting into groove and outscoring his partner, leaving the old Delhiites clueless.

Rawat was 23 off 20 balls. He then hit 77 off 39 balls to get to his 100. While Rawat reached his ton in 59 balls, Sujal got to the three figure-mark in 55 balls.

Mayank Rawat (left) and Sujal Singh added 241 for the first wicket 

“It happens with the flow of the game. We try to coordinate like when I am getting the opportunity to score, I am using it. When I am struggling, bhaiya (Anuj Rawat) is making the effort to score. This is the communication that worked for us.”

Sujal acknowledged the guidance he gets from the 24-year-old Rawat, who is his senior and has played for Delhi Ranj team and Royal Challengers Bangalore in the Indian Premier League (IPL).

“It helps a lot when Anuj bhaiya is around us. We get a lot of confidence when he talks and when he shares his experience, we learn a lot. This has made a huge difference. I am batting with him for the first time in this tournament and am grateful. He has played a big role in helping me and other youngsters gain confidence.”

The big total, the second highest of the tournament so far, was always going to challenge Purani Dilli 6. The pressure showed as Purani Dilli was reduced to 34/3 in 5.3 overs.

Rawat is pumped up after reaching his ton

But Vansh Bedi was up to the task as he hammered 96 off 41 balls (11x6s, 4x4s). Bedi, who has been one of the few bright spots in the Purani Dilli line-up, kept hitting sixes before being dismissed LBW by spinner Harsh Tyagi while trying a ramp shot to fine leg.

The Riders would have had a tough time had left-arm spinner Tyagi (3/34) and off-spinner Mayank Rawat (2/4) not performed at their best.

Sujal celebrates his century

Tags : Delhi Premier League, Cricket, Anuj Rawat, Sujal Singh, Purani Dilli 6, East Delhi Lions, Arun Jaitley Stadium, Ferozeshah Kotla