Young Indian batsman Shubman Gill admitted that he never thought of crossing the 200-run mark till the 47th over after his blistering knock against New Zealand in the first ODI of the three-match series. Gill became the youngest player to score a double century in the history of ODS when he smashed the Kiwi bowlers with a 149-ball 208. The 23-year-old hit 19 fours and nine sixes.
India posted a mammoth 349 in their 50 overs but were let down by some hard hitting by Michael Bracewell, who scored a crucial 140 to bring the game to a close. In the end, the hosts managed to win by 12 runs. Gill was awarded the man of the match and he was keen to go out and do what he wanted to do, as quoted by Cricbuzz.
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Shubman Gill said that he wanted to play freely when he saw wickets falling at the other end. The 23-year-old said he was not really thinking of 200 till the 47th over when he was able to hit a few sixes. Gill said he felt a sense of satisfaction and the double century sank in very well.
He does!@Shubman Gill Enters an elite list and is the 5th Indian to score an ODI double century! Gee, what a player!
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– Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) January 18, 2023
Shubman Gill elaborates, “I was eagerly waiting to go out and do what I want to do. With wickets falling, there were times when I wanted to play freely and I’m glad I could do that in the end. Sometimes when the bowler is on top, you need to make him feel the pressure. Need to avoid dot balls, need to show some intent, and need to hit hard in the gaps. That’s what I was doing. I wasn’t really thinking of 200, but once I hit sixes in the 47th over, I knew I could do it.”
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He further added, “Earlier, I was playing what was coming to me. He (Kishan) is one of my best teammates. I was there when he scored his ODI double century and it was special. Feels like when you want something to happen and it’s happening regularly. Definitely a sense of satisfaction. It (double ton) sunk in quite nicely. The game went much closer than I expected.
