Under-19 Asia Cup: 13-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi's Unbeaten 76 Leads India to Semi-Finals
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Sharjah, Dec 4 (NationPress) India’s 13-year-old prodigy, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, electrified the Sharjah Cricket Stadium on Wednesday, delivering an impressive unbeaten 76 runs off 46 balls to guide India to a commanding ten-wicket triumph over the United Arab Emirates (UAE) in Match 12 of the Under-19 Asia Cup 2024.
Suryavanshi, who made headlines by becoming the youngest player in IPL history to be sold at auction, with Rajasthan Royals acquiring him for a staggering Rs 1.10 crore, faced intense scrutiny. Following the landmark deal, expectations soared, but the young star experienced difficulties in the tournament's initial matches, managing scores of only 1 and 23.
Under pressure from critics, Suryavanshi stepped onto the field aiming to chase down a modest target of 138 and made an immediate impact, hitting a colossal six off UAE pacer Ali Asgar with his first ball.
His aggressive approach did not wane as he struck two additional sixes in the following over off spinner Aayan Khan. His explosive batting saw him dart to 28 runs off merely 11 balls, effortlessly finding the boundary.
Motivated by his partner’s fireworks, fellow opener Ayush Mhatre shifted gears after a careful beginning, moving from 8 runs off 17 balls to aggressively taking on the bowlers. Together, they formed a devastating 100-run opening stand in just 70 balls, dismantling the UAE bowling attack.
Suryavanshi celebrated his half-century in style, achieving the milestone in 32 balls through a combination of power and precision. Mhatre also reached his own fifty, scoring off 38 balls as the duo continued their onslaught. Ultimately, Suryavanshi concluded the chase in the 17th over with a massive six, finishing with a dazzling 76 not out that included three fours and six sixes. Mhatre, equally impressive, ended unbeaten on 67 runs off 51 balls, with four boundaries and four sixes.
Earlier in the match, India’s bowlers showcased a clinical performance, dismissing UAE for a modest 137 in 44 overs. Right-arm seamer Yudhajit Guha stood out, taking 3 wickets for 15 runs in his seven-over spell. Chetan Sharma (2/27) and Hardik Raj (2/28) provided excellent support, while the fielding unit ensured that UAE never gained momentum.
With this dominant showing, India secured the runner-up spot in Group A, trailing Pakistan, with two victories from three matches, ensuring their advancement to the semi-finals. They will face Sri Lanka in a highly anticipated matchup on Friday at the same venue.
