IPL 2022, RR vs RCB: Rajasthan Royals ride on Parag pyrotechnics to beat Royal Challengers Bangalore

Bowlers too star in Royals' 29-run victory over RCBIn T20 cricket, 144 runs are generally not a comfort cushion for bowlers. But, it could be when you have a quality bowling attack and a batting side willing to gift wickets. Riyan Parag, with an unbeaten 31-b 56 (3x4; 4x6), played a defining innings for Rajasthan Royals and returned to exhibit brilliance with his catching on Tuesday.

AS IT HAPPENED | SCORECARD | POINTS TABLEHis efforts were complemented by the bowlers, led by young Kuldeep Sen (4/20) and seasoned spinner R Ashwin (3/17), who tightened the screws on an erring Royal Challengers Bangalore. At the MCA stadium in Pune, Sanju Samson's men handed RCB their second consecutive loss, this time by a 29-run margin. Chasing 145 for victory, RCB fell woefully short and were bowled out for 115 in 19.3 overs.

1/10In Pics, IPL 2022 Match 39: Parag, bowlers help Rajasthan Royals return to topShow Captions<p>Riyan Parag's unbeaten 56 and inspired bowling helped Rajasthan Royals defend 144 against Royal Challengers Bangalore to go top of the IPL table on Tuesday. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)</p><p>Parag smashed 30 off the last two overs to steer Royals to a competitive total before pace bowler Kuldeep Sen took 4-20 to complete a 29-run victory in Pune. (BCCI/IPL/ANI Photo)</p><p>Josh Hazlewood removed the in-form Jos Buttler for eight to push Royals on the back foot after Mohammed Siraj struck twice in his opening two overs.

(BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)</p><p>Skipper Sanju Samson attempted to hit back in his 21-ball 27 but was bowled by Wanindu Hasaranga. (BCCI/IPL/PTI Photo)</p><p>Hazlewood took 2-19 as Bangalore dried up the runs for Royals between overs 10 to 18, but Parag cut loose and survived a dropped catch on 32. (BCCI/IPL/PTI.