U-19 World Cup: Musheer brilliance

PTI

Bloemfontein, January 30

Musheer Khan's superlative batting in the ongoing ICC U-19 World Cup continued as his second hundred trampled New Zealand by 214 runs in a Super Six encounter here today.

After Musheer's 131 backed by opener Adarsh Singh's 52 powered India to a huge total of 295/8, left-arm spinner Saumy Kumar Pandey (4/19) and pacer Raj Limbani (2/17) ripped apart New Zealand's top- order to bowl them out for a mere 81 in 28.1 over.

1 Musheer became the first batter in the current competition to breach the 300-run mark, going past Pakistan's Shahzaib Khan with his stupendous effort

3 It was Kiwis’ third-heaviest defeat in terms of runs and also their third-lowest total at the U-19 World Cup stage

Limbani struck on the first and the fifth balls of New Zealand’s innings to swing the momentum in India's way. Vice-captain Pandey finished with splendid figures of 10-2-19-4 as he knocked the stuffing out of the Black Caps.

Left reeling at 27/4 in the powerplay, New Zealand could never really stage a comeback as the Indian colts marched on.

For New Zealand, it was their third-heaviest defeat in terms of runs and also their third-lowest total at the U-19 World Cup stage.

Earlier, Musheer flayed New Zealand attack with his second century as India posted a 296-run target.

On a perfect batting wicket at the Mangaung Oval, Musheer tore apart the Kiwis’ bowling line-up to become the first batter in the current competition to breach the 300-run mark, going past Pakistan's Shahzaib Khan with his stupendous effort.

En route his 131, Musheer struck 13 fours and three sixes off just 125 balls and showed admirable temperament to up the ante just when it was required.

The 18-year-old Musheer motored on from one end unleashing strokes in all directions, while he began with an upper-cut for a four.

His innings was spruced with fine running between the wickets and ended in the death overs when he was looking to accelerate.

Musheer and Adarsh carried out a fine recovery job with a 77-run stand for the second wicket after an early blow for India.

Adarsh took charge of attacking the bowlers as he looked good while driving on the rise and also played the pull-shot with elan.

It was only unfortunate that he failed to keep a drive in check when Zac Cumming (1/37) teased him with one outside off.

A thick edge off Adarsh's bat flew to Oliver Tewatiya at point in the 18th over, which ended the charge for the left-handed Indian opener who struck six fours in his knock.

There also was some disappointment in store for India captain Uday Saharan who failed to convert his start and was dismissed for 35 off 57 balls. He had two fifties on trot at the start of the tournament.

Saharan, nevertheless, did a fine job of consolidating the innings for his side, putting on 87 with Musheer which also happened to be the best stand for India in this game.

Brief scores: India U-19: 295/8 in 50 overs (Musheer 131, Adarsh 52, Uday 35; Clarke 4/64); New Zealand U-19: 81 in 28.1 overs (Oscar 19; Pandey 4/19, Limbani 2/17).

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