Shillong, Nov 17: Abhay Negi smashed the joint fifth-fastest half-century in a T20 match as Meghalaya defeat Mizoram by 25 runs in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in Mumbai today.
Put in to bat first, Meghalaya were 149/4 in 17 overs when Negi, who is primarily a bowler, came to the crease and proceeded to wallop the bowlers. He reached 50 off just 14 deliveries, which is only two more deliveries than Yuvraj Singh took to set the record in his famous knock against England in 2007. This was also the fastest fifty ever in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
Negi hit two fours and six sixes in his unbeaten innings (also his top score in any format), which propelled Meghalaya to 207/4 in their 20 overs, with 58 runs coming in the last three overs.
Earlier, guest-professional Ravi Teja was the player who punished Mizoram the most, with a solid 53 not out in 31 deliveries (five fours, two sixes).
Mizoram had a mountain to climb but gave Meghalaya something to worry about as Taruwar Kohli hit 90 at the top of the order. He was partnered well by Pawan Prasad (72 not out), but Mizoram fell short of the target, finishing on 182/2.
Meghalaya used eight different bowlers today, with Raj Biswa (1/29) and Negi (1/43) the two wicket-takers.
(Meghalaya Cricket Association file photo)
