Defending champions India rode on Musheer Khan’s all-round heroics to hammer New Zealand by 214 runs and continue their unbeaten run in the Super Six stage of the ongoing ICC U19 World Cup 2024. After posting a competitive total of 295 for 8 on a good batting pitch at Mangaung Oval, India skittled out New Zealand for 81 to register a comprehensive win.
Musheer Khan bailed India out with his second hundred of the ongoing ICC tournament, while opener Adarsh Singh hit 52 as the Uday Saharan-led side set a tough 296-run target in their Super Six match on Tuesday. Musheer tore through the New Zealand bowling line-up to become the first batter in the current competition to reach 300 runs, surpassing Pakistan’s Shahzaib Khan.
Musheer hit 13 fours and three sixes to score 131 off only 125 balls, demonstrating admirable temperament by upping the ante just when it was needed. Musheer, 18, was constantly busy at the crease, motoring on from one end to the other, unleashing strokes in all directions.
Musheer’s innings was bolstered by excellent running between the wickets and concluded in the death overs, when he was looking to accelerate. However, the Indians had a shaky start, as they lost the previous game’s centurion, Arshin Kulkarni (9) early on. The dismissal, however, brought Musheer and Adarsh together, and they performed admirably in the recovery, scoring 77 runs.
Adarsh took charge of attacking the bowlers because he looked good while driving on the rise and played the pull shot with confidence. It was only unfortunate that he couldn’t keep his drive under control when Zac Cumming (1/37) teased him with one outside off.
In the 18th over, a thick edge off Adarsh’s bat flew to Oliver Tewatiya at point, bringing an end to the left-handed Indian opener’s charge, who made 52 off 58 balls with six fours. Uday Saharan, India’s captain, was also disappointed after failing to convert his start and being dismissed for 35 (57 balls, two fours).
