India’s batting prodigy, Yashasvi Jaiswal, allowed his performance with the bat to speak volumes in the Asian Games 2023 quarter-final against Nepal at the Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field in Hangzhou. The talented left-hander made a significant impact in this crucial match, showcasing his prowess by effortlessly dismantling Nepal’s bowling attack. Jaiswal’s aggressive batting resulted in a remarkable strike rate, exceeding 200, as he accelerated the team’s scoreboard.
While Jaiswal took on the role of the aggressor, Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad played a crucial part by providing him with strike rotation. This left-right opening combination proved highly effective, as the two combined for a impressive 103-run partnership before Gaikwad fell to Dipendra Singh’s delivery in the final ball of the 10th over.
Following Gaikwad’s dismissal, India suffered losses with Tilak Varma being outwitted by Sompal Kami and Jitesh Sharma being caught and bowled by Sandeep Lamichchane. After three wickets had fallen, Shivam Dube stepped in to support the dangerous Yashasvi Jaiswal. During the 16th over, there was a moment of drama as Jaiswal prematurely celebrated his century while he was actually one run short.
In the fourth delivery of the 16th over, Sompal Kami bowled precisely to Jaiswal, who promptly anticipated the ball’s trajectory. He adjusted his position by moving across the crease and elegantly scooped the ball towards the third man, aiming for a substantial boundary. At first glance, it appeared that the ball was destined for a considerable distance. Simultaneously, Jaiswal, who was on the cusp of his century at 95*, was firmly convinced that the ball had cleared the boundary for a six.
The youngster took off his helmet before raising his bat to celebrate his century but little did he know that the ball that travelled towards the third man bounced shortly before crossing the rope. Upon watching the TV replay, it was confirmed that it was ‘four’ and Jaiswal literally couldn’t believe himself as he kept both of his hands on his head.
