NEW DELHI: Pakistan’s Shahzaib Khan has etched his name in cricketing history with a scintillating 159-run knock against India U19 in the ongoing ACC U19 Asia Cup 2024 on Saturday.
His innings not only powered Pakistan U19 to a competitive 281/7 in their 50 overs but also shattered several records along the way.
Shahzaib’s 159 off 147 balls is now the highest individual score ever recorded against India U19, surpassing compatriot Sami Aslam’s 134 off 124 balls set in 2012.
He also joins the elite list of batters with memorable centuries against India U19, which includes Colin Ackermann’s unbeaten 129 off 113 for South Africa in 2009 and Kadeer Ali’s 125 off 122 for England in 2002.
Highest Individual scores against India U19s:
- Shahzaib Khan (Pakistan): 159 runs off 147 balls (2024)
- Sami Aslam (Pakistan): 134 runs off 124 balls (2012)
- Colin Ackermann (South Africa): 129* runs off 113 balls (2009)
- Kadeer Ali (England): 125 runs off 122 balls (2002)
The Pakistan batter’s innings was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Shahzaib smashed an incredible 10 sixes, setting a new benchmark for the most sixes in an innings by a Pakistan U19 batter in Youth ODIs.
This achievement overtakes the previous record of seven sixes held by Kamran Ghulam. His boundary-laden innings also featured five fours, making for an impressive strike rate of 108.16.
Pakistan U19, after opting to bat first, relied heavily on Shahzaib’s heroics. He formed a steady partnership with opener Usman Khan, who contributed 60 off 94 balls.
While wickets tumbled at the other end, Shahzaib held firm, accelerating in the middle overs and propelling his team to a solid total.
India U19’s bowling attack struggled to contain Shahzaib, with pacer Samarth Nagaraj (3/45) and Ayush Mhatre (2/30) being the pick of the bowlers.
This knock cements Shahzaib Khan as one of the most exciting young talents in world cricket. His 159-run effort not only set records but also underscored his ability to perform under pressure, especially against a formidable Indian U19 side.
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