Musheer Khan was in superlative form as he slammed his second century of the competition to guide India to a massive win over New Zealand in the U-19 World Cup on Tuesday. Just a day after his brother Sarfaraz Khan received his Indian cricket team Test call-up, Musheer became the second Indian batter ever to score more than one centuries in the U-19 World Cup. During his knock of 131, one shot that caught the attention of cricket fans was a helicopter shot off the bowling of Mason Clarke that flew over deep mid-wicket for a huge six. The video of the shot quickly went viral on social media and users did not waste any time in comparing it with former India skipper MS Dhoni.
After top performer Musheer's 131 backed by opener Adarsh Singh's 52 powered India to a huge total of 295/8, left-arm spinner Saumy Kumar Pandey (4/19) and pacer Raj Limbani (2/17) ripped apart New Zealand's top order to bowl them out for a mere 81 in 28.1 over.
Limbani struck on the first and the fifth ball of New Zealand innings to ensure momentum remained India's way throughout had parsimonious opening spell of 5-0-12-2.
India vice-captain Pandey finished with splendid figures of 10-2-19-4 as he knocked the stuffing out of Black Caps' chase.
Left reeling at 27/4 in the Powerplay, New Zealand could never really stage a comeback as Indian colts like every edition are looking favourites to win the tournament.
For New Zealand, it was their third heaviest defeat in terms of runs and also their third lowest total at the U-19 World Cup stage.
Earlier, Musheer flayed New Zealand attack with his second century of the ICC U-19 World Cup while opener Adarsh Singh struck 52 as India posted a stiff 296–run target.
On a perfect batting wicket here at the Mangaung Oval, Musheer tore apart the Kiwis bowling line-up to become the first batter in the current competition to breach the 300-run mark, going past Pakistan's Shahzaib Khan with his stupendous effort.
En route his 131, Musheer blasted 13 fours and three sixes off just 125 balls and once showed admirable temperament to up the ante just when it was required.
(With PTI inputs)