A spectacular display of both batting and bowling from India’s young cricketing talents led to a commanding 214-run victory over New Zealand in the Super Six stage of the ICC U19 World Cup 2024, held in Bloemfontein. On a sunny Tuesday, January 30, Musheer Khan took center stage with a sensational all-round performance that left the New Zealand squad in disarray, crumbling for just 81 runs in response to India’s formidable 295.
The Indian team, led by Captain Uday Saharan, found themselves batting first once more after losing the toss, marking the fourth consecutive occasion in this tournament. Despite an early setback with last game’s centurion Arshin Kulkarni departing for nine, India steadied the ship with a pivotal second-wicket partnership of 77 runs between opener Adarsh Singh and the in-form Musheer Khan.
Musheer, whose approach was a masterclass in adaptability, dazzled the spectators at the Mangaung Oval with his balanced and astute innings. Adarsh, meanwhile, tallied his second fifty of the competition but couldn’t escalate it into a more significant score. His dismissal by Mason Clarke for a well-played 52 off 58 deliveries did little to stem the flow of runs, as Musheer kept the momentum in India’s favor with a superb knock of 131 from 126 balls. Captain Saharan contributed as well, putting 87 valuable runs on the board in partnership with Musheer.
The Indian side did encounter some resistance in the closing stages of their innings, but their persistence ensured a competitive total of eight for 295. Kiwi bowler Mason Clarke managed to snag four wickets, although his economy suffered, leaking 7.75 runs per over.
With a tough target of 296, New Zealand’s hopes of a successful chase were dashed from the outset as 18-year-old pace sensation Raj Limbani tore through the top order, claiming the wickets of Tom Jones and Snehith Reddy in the opening over. Limbani’s aggressive start was complemented by the spins of Saumy Pandey, who maintained his scintillating form by taking four wickets.
As the innings progressed, Musheer showcased his prowess with the ball as well, bagging two late wickets, which contributed to the Kiwi youngsters folding for a paltry 81 in just 28.1 overs. This bowling performance not only highlighted the depth of India’s bowling attack but also reinforced Musheer’s status as a player with remarkable all-round abilities.
India’s triumph was built on the backs of a well-rounded team forming a formidable unit—Adarsh Singh, Arshin Kulkarni, Musheer Khan, Uday Saharan (captain), Priyanshu Moliya, Sachin Dhas, Aravelly Avanish (wicketkeeper), Murugan Abhishek, Naman Tiwari, Raj Limbani, and Saumy Pandey—each playing their part in solidifying India’s dominance in this World Cup. New Zealand, on the other hand, fielded a youthful but beleaguered side consisting of James Nelson, Tom Jones, Snehith Reddy, Lachlan Stackpole, Oscar Jackson (captain), Oliver Tewatiya, Zac Cumming, Alex Thompson (wicketkeeper), Ewald Schreuder, Ryan Tsourgas, and Mason Clarke—failing to match the intensity of their opponents this time around.
This comprehensive victory leaves India riding a wave of confidence as they advance through the Super Six stage, looking poised and more than capable of laying claim to the coveted U19 World Cup trophy. Musheer Khan, with his standout century and skillful bowling, has not only helped secure another emphatic win for India but also finds himself entering the record books, chasing the heights achieved by Indian cricket legends before him. The young talent now stands on the threshold of perhaps one day echoing the legendary feats of a certain Shikhar Dhawan, whose U19 World Cup record he is steadily pursuing.
