India proved their title credentials by dismantling three-time champions Australia in their opening World Cup game at the Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui on Sunday (January 14). Batting first, Prithvi Shaw & Co. rode on fifties from their top three batsmen to post a daunting 328 for 7 in the allotted 50 overs before restricting Australia to 228 to open their account with a 100-run win.
Opting to bat first, Shaw led the side from the front, scoring 94 to lay the foundation for a big total. Shaw and his opening partner Manjot Kalra added a massive 180 runs for the first wicket. India’s innings could have panned out in a different way had Will Sutherland not overstepped when Shaw nicked one behind when he was batting on just 25.
The India opener went on grab the opportunity and reached his fifty off 55 balls. On the other end, Kalra was matching his skipper shot for shot, reaching his fifty off 55 balls as India scored a healthy 118 by the time the 20th over ended. Australia had the chance to dismiss Shaw again but Austin Waugh spilled a tough chance near the boundary rope when the 18-year old was batting on 62.
Australia finally tasted success when Sutherland accounted for Shaw when the India skipper was just 6 runs short of a century. Kalra also missed a well-deserved century by 14 runs. After the openers departed, Shubman Gill scored 63 to keep India on track for a big score. An 8-ball 23 runs knock from Abhishek Sharma then helped India cross the 300-run mark. The lower-order batsmen also played handy knocks as the three-time champions finished their innings on a mammoth 328 for 7.
In reply, Australia could only manage. The team from Down Under never looked in contention to chase down the total despite their openers – Jack Edwards and Max Bryant -giving them a solid start with a 57-run stand. With wickets falling at regular intervals, Australia’s chase never got the impetus and they were eventually all out for 228. Edwards top-scored for Australia ,scoring 73 while Shivam Mahi and Kamlesh Nagarkoti picked up three wickets each.
Here is how Twitter reacted to the innings:
Very impressed with this Indian U/19 team, batting skill, dynamic in the field & bowlers with pace!! #FutureStars @ICC #IndvAus #U19CWC
— Tom Moody (@TomMoodyCricket) January 14, 2018
Looks like India has got its own Malcolm Marshal now. Kamlesh Nagarkoti, all of 18 years 17 days, just bowled one at 149 kmph. U-19 World Cup is a revelation #u19worldcup #U19CWC
— Sanjay Dixit ಸಂಜಯ್ ದೀಕ್ಷಿತ್ संजय दीक्षित (@Sanjay_Dixit) January 14, 2018
Nagarkoti, Mavi. What findings! Clocking 140+ ! Send Them To SA 😛 #INDvAUS #U19CWC
— Nisha V (@nvme_5) January 14, 2018
Remember the name #nagarkoti a young sensational speedster to follow d legacy of kapil dev srinath zhaheer Khan with extra pace exciting to watch A new fast bowling era of Indian cricket born #U19CWC
— KDM (@KDmgold) January 14, 2018
https://twitter.com/Shubham_duggu/status/952450861069885442
Indian pacers have outpaced their Australian counterparts today!! How often does it happen? #HappyFeeling#U19CWC #INDvsAUS pic.twitter.com/JyEfY4d1dw
— Chinmay Jawalekar (@CricfreakTweets) January 14, 2018
Prithvi Shaw looks so special. Brilliant 94 and a really solid start for India. Cheering for the boys, for many of whom this is a significant event in their endeavour to be India Cricketers. #INDvAUS #U19CWC
— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) January 14, 2018
India U19 finish with 327/7 to become the first side to make a 300+ total against Australia in a #U19CWC match!#IndvAus#FutureStars
— Mohandas Menon (@mohanstatsman) January 14, 2018
Excellent batting from Prithvi and Manjot. Great to see the Indians dominating this contest against Aus. @SGanguly99 enjoy. #IndvAus #U19WC
— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) January 14, 2018
Solid first innings by the U19 boys.. What a pocket size prodigy this Prithvi Shaw is. But it's Shubman Gill & other cameos that's taken Ind to 327.. Over to the bowlers now.. Hope they got this covered #U19CWC #IndvAus
— Jatin Sapru (@jatinsapru) January 14, 2018
If we go by the early signs, in Prithvi Shaw we have a gem in our hand, cool temparement, terrific shot selection, proper cricketing brain.
— Valar Arsenalis (@andthatsoffside) January 14, 2018
A perfect asset is on the way. Prithvi Shaw will definitely make it to the senior national team in no time. #INDvAUS #U19CWC
— Kulamani Muduli (@thisissanu) January 14, 2018
#INDvAUS prithvi is a brian lara clone he has all the time in the world, lets see how he goes against faster bowlers.
— Wine_e (@leaguelegendnot) January 14, 2018