In a dazzling display of cricketing prowess, Prithvi Shaw, the 23-year-old Indian cricket prodigy, lit up the England's One-Day Cup tournament with an astounding 244-run innings for Northamptonshire against Somerset on Wednesday.
Shaw, participating in his inaugural county season in England, exhibited exceptional form as he blasted 28 boundaries and 11 sixes in his marathon 153-ball knock. This remarkable performance marked his second List A double century and propelled his total tally of centuries in List A cricket to nine. It also stood as his first century since his impressive 165-run contribution against Karnataka during the Vijay Hazare Trophy semi-final, where he led Mumbai to victory in the 2020-21 season.
During his third appearance for Northamptonshire, Shaw reached his maiden century in just 81 balls. Subsequently, he achieved the monumental double century milestone in 129 balls, displaying remarkable acceleration by requiring a mere 48 balls for his second hundred. This dominant display led Northamptonshire to an imposing total of 415/8. Somerset's valiant effort, including a battling 77-run knock by Andy Umeed, could only take them to a total of 328 runs, resulting in an 87-run victory for Northamptonshire.
"The sun was out, it was kind of like Indian weather today so it was really looking good," Shaw enthused. "You know when an inside edge doesn't get me out, that means this day is for me. You have to be lucky sometimes, so I think this was a day for me. I didn't look back after that."
Notably, the team's aggregate of 451 runs marked the highest-ever score for Northamptonshire and ranked as the sixth-highest worldwide in List A cricket history.
Shaw's awe-inspiring innings of 244 runs surpassed his previous best of 227 runs for Mumbai against Puducherry in Jaipur during 2021. He also eclipsed Ben Duckett's 220 not out for England Lions against Sri Lanka 'A' in 2016, securing the second-highest List A innings ever recorded in England.
Reflecting on his performance, Shaw commented, "The 227 was in my head to be honest. But it was a good team effort all around. I always try and win matches for the team and I'm the kind of a player who puts my team first and then myself. If scoring like this can help my team to win, then I should continue this."
Shaw's decision to participate in county cricket was motivated by the pursuit of experience and personal growth. "Definitely experience for sure. Not really thinking what the Indian selectors may be thinking, but I just want to have a good time here," he stated appreciatively, emphasizing the support and nurturing environment provided by Northamptonshire.
Despite a bright start to his India career, Shaw's selection opportunities dwindled in recent times. His last appearance for the national team was during the tour of Sri Lanka in July 2021. While he was part of the T20I squad against New Zealand earlier this year, he was left out for the ongoing tour of West Indies. Nevertheless, his remarkable performance in the England's One-Day Cup serves as a compelling reminder of his exceptional batting prowess and resilience on the cricket field.