WATCH: Young New Zealand batter Snehith Reddy reveals reason behind intimating Shubman Gill’s celebration in U19 WC

In a spectacular display of batting prowess, New Zealand’s Snehith Reddy left an indelible mark on the U19 World Cup 2024 by delivering an unbeaten innings of 147 runs off 125 balls, guiding his team to a convincing victory over Nepal on Sunday.

Reflecting on his exceptional performance, Reddy expressed the significance of the moment and the support from his teammates. In a video shared by the Apex Cricket Council on Instagram, he mentioned, “It was extremely special, and they enjoyed it, and I loved it. They just told me to enjoy it. You know, it’s a massive occasion, and there’ll be nerves, but I had fun. And that’s the key.”

The 17-year-old cricketer added a touch of flair to his celebration by adopting Shubman Gill’s iconic ‘bow down’ gesture to mark his maiden century in the World Cup. Reddy shared insights into the pre-game discussions among the players about potential celebratory gestures, and he chose Gill’s signature move as a tribute to one of his favourite players. He praised Gill’s batting style, emphasising the exceptional timing that he sought to incorporate into his own game.

Here is the video:

“We were talking a little bit before the game, the boys, about whether we get a milestone and what our celebration is going to be, and I decided Shubman Gill’s ‘bow’ as my celebration. It was special. He was one of my favourite players. I love the way he makes contact with the ball. His timing is very his timings exceptional, and I tried to copy that into my batting a little bit,” the young batter said.

New Zealand beat Nepal in the U19 World Cup

Facing a challenging situation with New Zealand at 67 for the loss of three wickets while batting first, Reddy joined forces with captain Oscar Jackson (scoring 75) to forge a remarkable 157-run partnership for the fourth wicket. This partnership proved instrumental in propelling New Zealand’s total to an impressive 302.

In response, Nepal faced a formidable bowling effort from New Zealand, ultimately reaching a total of 238/9 in 50 overs. Mason Clarke emerged as the standout bowler, claiming a three-wicket haul. Snehith Reddy’s outstanding innings not only secured a crucial win for New Zealand but also showcased his remarkable skills and ability to perform under pressure. The young cricketer’s choice of celebration and his insights into the team dynamics add a layer of camaraderie and enjoyment to the thrilling U19 World Cup encounter.