(Cricket News) Musheer Khan notched up his second century of the ICC U-19 World Cup, leading India to set a formidable target of 296 runs in their Super Six encounter on Tuesday. The Mangaung Oval provided an ideal batting wicket, and Musheer capitalized on the conditions, dismantling the Kiwi bowling line-up with a brilliant innings that propelled him beyond the 300-run mark. With 131 runs to his name, Musheer showcased exceptional skills, smashing 13 fours and three sixes off just 125 balls. His innings was marked by fine running between the wickets and concluded in the death overs when he aimed to accelerate the scoring.

Notably, Musheer joined an elite club as the second Indian batter ever to achieve two centuries in the U-19 World Cup, with Shikhar Dhawan being the first to achieve this feat by slamming three centuries in 2004. Despite a shaky start, losing the previous game’s centurion Arshin Kulkarni early on, Musheer and Adarsh Singh formed a crucial partnership, contributing to a commendable 77-run stand that steadied the ship for India.

Adarsh assumed an aggressive role, displaying finesse in driving on the rise and executing pull-shots with precision. Unfortunately, his innings concluded at 52 when a drive went awry against Zac Cumming’s delivery. The left-handed opener’s departure marked the end of a promising partnership.

India’s captain, Uday Saharan, had a solid start but failed to convert it into a substantial score, dismissed for 35. Despite Saharan’s contributions in consolidating the innings with a crucial 87-run partnership with Musheer, India faced a flurry of wickets towards the end. Consequently, they fell just short of breaching the 300-run mark, finishing at 295 for eight.

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