Didn’t think of 200 at first, says Shubman Gill after match-winning double barrel in 1st ODI vs NZ

Indian batsman Shubman Gill confessed that he had not considered the possibility of a double century until the 47th over of his sparkling innings against New Zealand in the first ODI. His remarkable knock of 208 runs on 149 deliveries, including 19 boundaries and nine sixes, made him the youngest double centurion in ODI cricket history.

It was Gill’s third century in ODIs and his first double barrel in the 50-over format, earning him a well-deserved Player-of-the-Match award after the hosts took a 1-0 lead in the series of three matches.

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A monumental double century @ShubmanGill makes him the Player of the Match as #TeamIndia register a 12-run victory in the first #INDvNZ ODI

Scorecard https://t.co/DXx5mqRguU @mastercardindia pic.twitter.com/HSCRoJfPi— BCCI (@BCCI) January 18, 2023

After the match, Shubman Gill admitted that he had not expected to reach a double century until the 47th. He revealed that he was surprised to have achieved such a feat, and that it was a memorable occasion for him.

“I was eagerly waiting to go out and do what I want to do. With wickets falling I sometimes wanted to unleash and I’m glad I was able to do it at the end. When the bowler is on top, sometimes you have to make him feel pressure. Need to avoid point balls, show some intent and hit hard in the holes. That’s what I was doing,” Gill said at the post-match presentation ceremony.

“I wasn’t really thinking about 200, but once I hit sixes in the 47th skip, I felt I could do it. Before that, I played whatever came to my mind,” he added.

Gill was backed by the Indian team management for the opening despite Ishan Kishan’s double-barrel in the final ODI of Bangladesh’s tour last month. The stylish right-hander certainly justified the confidence placed in him, as he followed with a century and a half in the previous ODI series against Sri Lanka.

India posted 349 runs in their 50 overs, but had to work hard for their victory through Michael Bracewell’s hard-hitting 140, which brought the game to a nerve-wracking end. In the end, the hosts managed to hold on to their lead and claim a 12-point victory.

The upcoming second ODI between India and New Zealand takes place in Raipur on Saturday (January 21) and promises to be an exciting match.

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