KOCHI: Hitting six sixes in an over isn't a rare phenomenon in modern day cricket. A week after Andhra opener
Vamshhi Krrishna
hit six maximums in an over in the
CK Nayudu Trophy
, it was the turn of Kerala youngster
Abijith Praveen
to do an encore.
Playing for Masters CC, Thiruvananthapuram in the semifinal of
Navio Youth Trophy
U-22 Cricket Tournament at Athreya Cricket Academy ground in Thrissur on Saturday, Abijith clobbered leg-spinner Joe Francis from Trident Cricket Academy, Thrissur, for six sixes in the 21st over of the match.
Abijith was already past his fifty and was batting on 69 when Joe came on to bowl his second over in the 30 overs-per-side game. Abijith smashed the first two balls from Joe over the long-off fence while the third one cleared deep mid-wicket. The fourth ball was deposited over the cow corner while the last two deliveries were hit over long-on as he galloped to 105 by the end of the over.
However, Abijith could only add one more run to his total as his attempt to hit another six of Akshay TK saw him being caught at long-on by Abhiram. His 106 came from just 52 balls and was studded with 10 sixes and two fours as Masters went on to win the match by 106 runs.
A native of Pachalloor in Thiruvananthapuram, Abijit said he enjoyed reaching his hundred with his final six. "I have hit five sixes in an over before but to hit six maximums is a dream come true. After I connected the first two, I felt I should go for it. Luckily, I timed each shot perfectly. I still get goosebumps when I think of the moment," said Abijith, who has Ab de Villiers and Hardik Pandya among his role models in the game.
An allrounder who bowls medium pace, Abijith has built a reputation as a clean striker of the ball which saw him making his List A debut for Kerala last December against Sikkim in the Vijay Hazare one-day tournament in Bengaluru. He claimed three wickets in that game but didn't get an opportunity to bat.
Biju George, fielding coach of Delhi Capitals, under whom Abijith trains at the SAI Medical College ground in Thiruvananthapuram isn't surprised at his ward's astonishing feat. "He has strong hands, and his shots go a long distance. His six-hitting technique is simple but mighty effective. I knew Abi could pull off something like this and I am happy for him. I hope someone recognizes his power hitting and gives him a much bigger platform to showcase his talent in the coming days," Biju told TOI from Bengaluru.
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