India tops Group D after Pant’s 18-ball half-century against Nepal

The left-handed opener smashed five sixes and nine boundaries, adding 124 for the first wicket with captain Ishan Kishan (52) in just 9.1 overs, as India chased down Nepal’s 169 for eight in the 19th over.

 Pant’s 50 off 18 balls is the fastest recorded half-century in the history of under-19 internationals.

India’s emphatic victory was set-up by fast bowler Avesh Kumar, who claimed three wickets for 34 runs. Mayank Dagar and Washington Sundar supported him well with two wickets each.

The Rahul Dravid-coached India topped Group D with an all-win record and now faces the second-placed team from Group A - Bangladesh or Namibia - in the Super League quarter-final in Fatullah on 6 February.

Qualifier Nepal, which knocked out defending champion South Africa from the Super League, awaits the winner of Tuesday’s clash between Bangladesh and Namibia in the quarter-final in Mirpur on 5 February.

Pant said he was disappointed to miss-out on a century, admitting that he became nervous as he approached the mark.

“I am obviously not happy that I could not get a 100 ... mainly because I got a little nervous thinking that I may set a new record,” he said.

“It was a good pitch for batting and I was able to go through my shots.”

Indian captain Kishan was delighted with the comprehensive win and Pant’s spectacular stroke-play.

“The way Pant was going for his shots, I was worried I may not get enough runs of my own,” Kishan said. “I am really pleased with the way we won today because it was a low-scoring game which is usually tough to win.”

Asked if India will prefer to face Bangladesh or Namibia in the quarter-final, Kishan said: “It does not matter whom we play as long as we stick to our strengths and get the basics right.”

Nepal’s captain Raju Rijal said his team had been taught a lesson on what to expect when playing against superior sides.

“The competition in the quarter-finals will obviously be very tough and today’s match was a good experience for us,” said Rijal. “We need to work harder and try and do our best in the remaining games.”

New Zealand, smarting from two losses against India and Nepal, took third place in Group D after a four-wicket win against Ireland in Fatullah.

Rachin Ravindra and skipper Josh Finnie picked up three wickets each as New Zealand bowled out Ireland for 212 and then won in the 41st over after Finn Allen scored 97 and Dale Phillips made 58.

Finnie later said: “There is a lot to look forward in the Plate Championship as we can come up against sides like South Africa.”