Rising Indian cricket sensation, Yashasvi Jaiswal, made headlines on Tuesday as he notched up his maiden T20I century, guiding India to the semi-finals of the Asian Games men’s cricket competition. Jaiswal’s scintillating 100 off just 49 balls powered India to a formidable total of 202/4 against Nepal in Hangzhou, China.
In achieving this remarkable feat, Jaiswal broke records, becoming the youngest Indian to score a T20I century, eclipsing the previous record held by Shubman Gill. At the age of 21 years and 279 days, Jaiswal is not only the youngest batter to reach a century in men’s T20I but also the first to do so at a multi-sport event.
Shubman Gill had previously set the record earlier this year, scoring 126 against New Zealand at the age of 23 years and 146 days. However, that record now belongs to the young and promising Yashasvi Jaiswal.
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India’s captain, Ruturaj Gaikwad, won the toss and elected to bat first at the Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field. While other Indian batsmen struggled on the pitch, Jaiswal displayed exceptional form, consistently finding the boundaries. With eight fours and seven sixes, the left-handed opener reached a remarkable century in just 49 deliveries.
Shubman Gill broke Suresh Raina’s record in 2023. Yashasvi Jaiswal breaks Shubman Gill’s record in 2023 👏https://t.co/ORlT4ma6OG #INDvNEP #AsianGames pic.twitter.com/H4uRb1PRsf
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) October 3, 2023
Gooood morning from Yashasvi Jaiswal 72* (34) 🤯🔥💗pic.twitter.com/59FYdl0hZz
— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) October 3, 2023
India’s total was further boosted by Rinku Singh’s late-innings fireworks as he remained unbeaten on 37 from 15 balls. Nepal, however, put up a commendable fight, with their middle order mounting a spirited response despite losing wickets at regular intervals. Nevertheless, Nepal managed to reach 179/9 in their 20 overs, falling short by 23 runs as India secured the win.
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Ravi Bishnoi and Avesh Khan played pivotal roles, each taking three wickets, while debutant Ravi Sai Kishore impressed with figures of 1/25 from four overs and also contributed with a couple of catches. Wicketkeeper-batsman Jitesh Sharma made his India debut, scoring five runs and taking a catch.
Arshdeep Singh, who took two wickets, proved somewhat expensive, conceding 43 runs from his four overs. India is set to return to action on Friday for the semi-finals, with the gold medal match scheduled for Saturday. Yashasvi Jaiswal’s remarkable century and India’s overall performance have raised expectations for a successful campaign in the tournament.
