ICC U19 World Cup: Pant takes India top with record knock

Makes fastest 50 in U19 internationals as Nepal lose by seven wickets

DUBAI: Rishabh Pant hit a whirlwind 78 off 24 balls as India topped Group D with a seven-wicket demolition of second-placed Nepal in the U19 World Cup in Mirpur on Monday.

The left-handed opener smashed five sixes and nine boundaries, adding 124 for the first wicket with captain Ishan Kishan (52) in just 9.1 overs, as India chased down Nepal’s 169 for eight in the 19th over.

Pant’s 50 off 18 balls is the fastest recorded half-century in the history of under-19 internationals.



India’s emphatic victory was set-up by fast-bowler Avesh Kumar, who claimed 3-34. Mayank Dagar and Washington Sundar supported him well with two wickets each.

The Rahul Dravid-coached India topped Group D with an all-win record.

Pant said he was disappointed to miss-out on a century, admitting that he became nervous as he approached the mark. “I am obviously not happy that I could not get a 100 ... mainly because I got a little nervous thinking that I may set a new record,” he said. “It was a good pitch for batting and I was able to go through my shots.”



India captain Kishan was delighted with the comprehensive win and Pant’s spectacular stroke-play.

“The way Pant was going for his shots, I was worried I may not get enough runs of my own,” said Kishan.

“I am really pleased with the way we won today because it was a low-scoring game which is usually tough to win.”

Published in The Express Tribune, February 2^nd, 2016.

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