New Delhi: Pakistan batter Shahzaib Khan slammed a century against India in the much-awaited clash between the arch-rivals at the Dubai International Stadium in the ICC U19 Asia Cup 2024 on Saturday, November 30. Shahzaib completed his century off 107 balls with a single against Ayush Mhatre in the 37th over of Pakistan’s innings.
Shahzaib combined with his opening partner Usman Khan to get Pakistan off to a solid start after they won the toss and chose to bat first in the high-profile clash against India. Both Shahzaib and Usman took their time to settle down before upping the ante as the duo went on to post a record 160-run stand for the first wicket.
The duo frustrated the Indian bowlers and left them clueless on several occasions with their impressive batting. The stand was finally broken in the 31st over when Ayush Mhatre, India’s opener and a part-time spinner managed to get Usman caught off his bowling. Usman was dismissed after scoring 60 off 90 balls.
Mhatre went on to dismiss Pakistan’s no.3 Haroon Arshad cheaply on 3 in his next over. However, Shahzaib continued to display composure and patience as he held one end strongly for Pakistan. The opener, who looked in fabulous touch during his partnership with Umsan, did slow down after his opening partner’s dismissal but managed to complete his hundred in just 107 balls.
Shahzaib went on to complete his hundred with the help of 5 fours and 6 sixes as he took the Indian bowlers to the cleaners in the high-pressure game. His ton has laid the platform for Pakistan U19 to set a big target for India in the game.
Who is Shahzaib Khan?
19-year-old Shahzaib Khan was born in Manshera, Pakistan. He plays for Abbottabad in the Pakistan domestic circuit and has also represented Sui Northern in Pakistan’s President’s Cup. The young opener is playing his second U-19 Asia Cup for Pakistan and is rated highly back home as he is regarded as one of the most talented young batters in the country.
Shahzaib has so far played 5 List A matches with 117 runs to his name. He has made only a solitary appearance for Abbottabad in first-class cricket. The southpaw scored 1 and 16 in the two innings on his first-class debut against Islamabad in Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, Pakistan’s premier domestic tournament.
Pakistan U19 opener Shahzaib Khan slammed a brilliant ton against India U19 in the much-awaited clash between the arh-rivals in the ICC U19 Asia Cup 2024 on Saturday. Cricket Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
