Indian Origin New Zealand U19 team player, Snehith Reddy has grabbed the limelight for all the positive reasons. The prolific 17-year-old all-rounder of New Zealand’s U19 team did the unexpected by slamming an unbeaten 147 runs off 125 balls against Nepal in one of the U19 World Cup 2024 fixtures. The figures marked the highest score of the U19 World Cup 2024 & his scintillating knock helped New Zealand to register their maiden win in the marquee event against Nepal.
Who is Snehith Reddy?
Born in the Vijayawada district of Andhra Pradesh Reddy is surely a force to reckon with in the ongoing edition of U19 Men’s World Cup 2024. Snehith’s family moved to Auckland from Vijayawada when he was a toddle of just 6 months in the year 2007. He has impressed everyone with his stunning performance in the U17 age group in New Zealand Cricket. Fondly called ‘Lucky Reddy’ Snehith is a complete all-rounder as he can bat & ball simultaneously. Snehith Reddy is a right-hand batter & an Off-spinner.
Snehith’s family moved to Hamilton in the year 2014 & opened a café on Victoria Street in town. The young lad’s love for cricket began when he was watching his father play at club-level cricket in Hamilton. While watching his father play Cricket Snehith began loving the sport & thus he took up cricket at an early age. He began his training at Hamilton Boys High School & was named in the Northern District A lineup at the age of just 15.
For the unversed, Snehith Reddy began his training under legendary Kiwi Test cricketer BJ Watling & also under Criag Kuggeleijn. Snehith Reddy’s role model is legendary New Zealand batter Kane Williamson. And he wants to follow in the footsteps of his role model to succeed in his career.
Snehith Reddy’s heroics in the U19 World Cup 2024
Snehith Reddy’s heroics in the U19 World Cup 2024 are not hidden from the world. He has turned heads around by smashing 147 runs in 125 balls which is the highest score in the U19 World Cup so far. It was Snehith’s prolific knock that helped New Zealand to register a win over Nepal.
Snehith was at his absolute best as he scored 147 runs off 125 balls in an innings braced with 11 fours & six sixes. He got valuable support from Oscar Jackson who contributed 75 runs in his 157-run stand for the fourth wicket. Their remarkable stand ended in the 42nd over when Jackson got bowled by Aakash Tripathi. However, Jackson’s dismissal didn’t affect Reddy on the other end who registered his maiden ton & took New Zealand over 300 runs mark.
In reply, Nepal had a poor start with Deepak Bohara being dismissed in the first over for a duck. Then other opener, Arjun Kumal led Nepal’s fightback with 90 runs off 104 balls including 12 fours, but he lacked support from the other end – the next-best score in Nepal’s chase was captain Dev Khanal’s 36 off 34 balls. Jackson was impressive with the ball as he returned with 2 for 25 in seven overs. Mason Clarke was the pick of the bowlers for New Zealand, taking 3 for 25 in his eight overs. Nepal was already reduced to 201-9 for 44 overs, & in the end, they were bowled out in 50 overs.
How Snehith Reddy celebrated his maiden Century
Snehith Reddy celebrated his century in Shubman Gill’s style by bowing in front of his family & New Zealand fans. Reddy also expressed gratitude in front of his family & said,
That marked a truly exceptional moment for me. With Reddy’s parents in attendance to witness his debut on the global stage, it was an immensely special experience. They thoroughly relished the game, and he, in turn, appreciated every moment. The advice from his parents was clear – embrace the occasion, acknowledge the nerves, and, most importantly, derive joy from the experience.
Their primary emphasis was not just on the performance but on enjoying the moment. Effectively handling the pressure became pivotal, enabling a strong finish towards the latter part of the game. Despite initial nervousness, particularly after reaching the century, the significance of the moment expanded, and he successfully navigated through to the end.
Snehith Reddy’s Career Glimpse
Talking about Snehith Reddy’s career, the young lad has just kickstarted his cricketing journey with U19 Men’s World Cup 2024. In their fixture against West Indies & Nepal, he couldn’t hit the mark. But then he finally got his lost form in their fixture against Nepal where Snehith smashed an unbeaten 147 runs & helped New Zealand to register a win against Nepal.
Snehith Reddy, the star player of the New Zealand U19 team became the talk of the town after his astounding knock. He will now aim to continue his performances in the tournament & help New Zealand clinch their maiden U19 World Cup title. New Zealand is placed in Group D of the tournament & will aim to continue its winning spree. Their one & only objective at this moment is qualifying for the knockout stage of the U19 Men’s World Cup 2024.
Can Snehith Reddy help New Zealand to clinch their maiden U19 Men’s World Cup 2024 or their hunt for title will continue? The answer will be known as the tournament progresses ahead.
Also read, IPL 2024 Tentative Dates are out, Check it Out!
