Teen cricket sensation Sam Konstas delivered a stellar performance, smashing a 90-ball century for the Prime Minister’s XI in a one-day match against India at Manuka Oval. The 19-year-old’s innings of 107 runs off 97 balls was the highlight of the Australian side’s total of 240, set under pink-ball conditions.
Konstas rescued the team after an early collapse at 2-22, building a crucial century partnership with Jack Clayton and later a 67-run stand with Hanno Jacobs. His knock came to an end when he was caught in the deep off Akash Deep’s bowling, further cementing his credentials as a rising star.
The century adds to Konstas’ impressive season, following a Sheffield Shield match where he became the youngest Australian since Ricky Ponting to score two centuries in the same game. Calls for his inclusion in Australia’s Test squad are growing louder as he continues to prove himself against quality opposition.
Konstas has REVERSE ramped Akash Deep for four and is on fire at Manuka!
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Indian pacer Harshit Rana was the standout bowler, taking four wickets in six balls during a devastating spell that left the PM’s XI reeling. Despite the early wickets, Konstas’ composed batting ensured a competitive total for the hosts.
In reply, India successfully chased the target with 19 balls to spare, treating the match as a warm-up for the Adelaide Test. Shubman Gill and KL Rahul retired not out, while Yashasvi Jaiswal and Nitish Kumar Reddy contributed crucial runs.
For Konstas, the performance is another strong statement to selectors as he eyes a potential Test debut. With Australia’s top order under scrutiny, he could be in contention for the Brisbane Test if further changes are made.
Source: news.com.au
