Yashasvi Jaiswal's batting prowess was once again on display in the Asian Games 2023's quarterfinal clash against Nepal on Tuesday, October 3. In India's quarterfinal clash against Nepal at the Pingfeng Campus Cricket Field, Jaiswal scripted history as the promising opener struck his maiden T20I century in the multi-sport Asian Games spectacle and also surpassed Shubman Gill's T20I record to help India clinch the issue.
Jaiswal, aged only 21 years and 279 days, eclipsed Gill's noteworthy T20I achievement of being India's youngest centurion in the shortest format of the game. Gill had previously set the benchmark against New Zealand earlier in 2023, crafting an unbeaten score of 126 - the grandest T20I score by an Indian player. When Gill established this record, he was 23 years and 146 days old.
The Asian Games witnessed Jaiswal's exceptional form, as he dominated Nepal's bowlers during the pivotal quarterfinal matchup. This significant inning marked India's inaugural cricket participation in the Asian Games. Displaying brilliance in just his sixth T20I game, Jaiswal raced to a century in a mere 48 balls. He joins the esteemed list of Indian left-handed batters with T20 centuries, a club where cricket icon Suresh Raina holds prominence. Other Indian cricketers with this accolade include legends like Gill, Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Deepak Hooda.
Jaiswal's recent achievements aren't limited to the Asian Games alone. Earlier in 2023, cricket enthusiasts witnessed his international debut in the Test format. Representing India against West Indies in Dominica, he left an indelible mark by scoring a mesmerizing 171 runs in the opening match, setting another record.
In the quarterfinal against Nepal, Jaiswal's contribution was pivotal. He was the chief architect of a 100-run opening partnership. Captain Ruturaj Gaikwad added 25 to the tally. However, Nepal managed to swing the momentum, causing India's score to plummet with three quick wickets, resulting in a loss of 16 runs in just 18 balls. Jaiswal's innings concluded shortly after reaching his century, but Rinku Singh's explosive batting reignited India's momentum. Singh's quickfire 37 off 15 balls, peppered with four sixes and a pair of boundaries, propelled India to a competitive total of 203 against Nepal. In reply Nepal did launch a fightback but to only perish under Indian bowling attack as they lost the match by 23 runs.
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