Prithvi Shaw, the young Indian opener, put on display his exceptional batting prowess once again as he smashed an astonishing double century. He scored 244 runs off just 153 balls in a One-Day Cup match for Northamptonshire against Somerset.
His scintillating knock helped his team post an imposing total of 415-8, enabling them to secure a comfortable 87-run victory at Wantage Road. Shaw’s remarkable performance earned him the accolade of the second-highest individual score in a county List A game.
The highlight of Shaw’s innings was his incredible strike rate, punctuated by 11 sixes and 28 fours. He formed a formidable partnership of 194 runs with Sam Whiteman, who contributed a valuable 54 runs.
It was a day full of records for Shaw, who had previously made headlines by scoring 546 runs in a single innings at the tender age of 14. He also became the youngest player to score a century in his debut Test when he was just 18 years old.
Northamptonshire was quick to recognize Shaw’s immense talent and signed him to bring a touch of superstardom to the team, as head coach John Sadler aptly put it. Shaw had already made a decent start to his county career, scoring 34 and 26 runs in his first two innings. However, his breathtaking knock against Somerset solidified his stature as a force to be reckoned with in the cricketing world.
Prithvi Shaw reached his half-century off just 44 balls, displaying his aggressive approach from the outset, pacing his innings for double century. He continued to dominate the opposition bowling attack and reached his century in just 81 balls. With every milestone he achieved, Shaw rewrote the history books.
At 162 runs, he surpassed the previous 50-over best for Northamptonshire held by former captain David Sales since 2006. Moreover, he surpassed the county’s limited-overs record score of 172 not out, set by Wayne Larkins in 1983.
Despite Shaw’s heroics, the match had a dramatic ending. Whiteman got dismissed for 54, and Shaw departed three balls before the end of the innings, caught at deep mid-wicket off the bowling of Danny Lamb. Northamptonshire lost five more wickets for just eight runs. Nevertheless, Shaw’s monumental innings was a spectacular show for fans.
Reflecting on his incredible performance, Shaw expressed his delight with the Indian weather, which reminded him of home. He mentioned that when he reached the 150-run mark, he felt in sublime form and thought that he could surpass his previous record of 227 runs. Shaw seized the opportunity with both hands, exhibiting his exceptional talent and determination.
Prithvi Shaw’s record-breaking innings for Northamptonshire has undoubtedly picked attention of Indian selectors. Shaw’s immense potential and extraordinary ability to score big runs have already been in his favour, however, he has recieved a lot of criticism for not maintaining fitness standards.
With consistent performances like this, Shaw will definitely grow and mature about his game. It was his second List A double century of his career which is only in its beginning stage. With some big Indian stars moving towards retirement stage, Prithvi Shaw can definitely fill up the place because he is a definitely a talented young player.
