Kamlesh Nagarkoti, an 18-year-old pacer from Rajasthan bowled at an astounding 149 kmph in the U-19 World Cup against Australia, which took place at the Bay Oval in New Zealand. Uttar Pradesh’s Shivam Mavi, and Ishan Porel also managed to clock in over 145 kmph.
Nagarkoti managed to knock out Max Bryant with a 144 kmph delivery after bowling the first ball at 144 kmph. The third delivery came in at 146 kmph close to the off-stump, to skipper Jason Sangha. The final delivery was clocked at 147 kmph. The 35th over saw him bowling three deliveries at 143, 145 and 147 and knocked out Austin Waugh, son of former Australian skipper Steve Waugh, followed by Will Sutherland with a 145 kmph out, lead the Indian team to a 100-run win.
The pacer later found out he had produced a 149 kmph delivery off the fourth ball of his sith over. “In a televised game in England, someone told me it was 143 kmph. Today I was told it’s 149”, he was quoted saying after the match. Australia was dismissed for 228 in 42.5 overs.
In the batting domain, Indian rode on half-centuries from Prithvi Shaw, Manjot Kalra and Shubman Gill to post a formidable total of 328/7 in 50 overs. Shaw managed a commendable 94 runs in 100-ball innings, which included 8 boundaries and a couple of sixes. The Indian captain was then knocked out by Baxter Holt on the off-side. Kalra scored an 86 runs in 99 balls with a six and 12 boundaries. Together they managed a total of 180 runs.
Nagarkoti’s superb bowling that dominated the field has easily made it to one of the most defining moments in the ICC U-19 World Cups.
