OTD | 18-year-old Prithvi Shaw became the youngest Indian to score a century on debut in the side’s biggest Test win ever in 2018

On this day in 2018, Prithvi Shaw etched his name in cricket history by becoming the youngest Indian to score a century on his Test debut. The then 18-year-old opener achieved the remarkable feat on day one of the first Test match against the West Indies in Rajkot, marking his arrival in the international arena in spectacular fashion.

Shaw took just 99 balls to reach his debut century, breaking the long-standing record held by Abbas Ali Baig. This milestone also made Shaw the second-youngest Indian ever to score a Test century, with the legendary Sachin Tendulkar being the youngest. Shaw’s innings not only set the tone for India’s dominance but also made him the fourth-youngest player in cricket history to score a century on debut.

The teenage sensation eventually fell for 134, an innings studded with 19 fours, as India closed the first day at 364-4. Shaw’s aggressive yet composed knock earned him widespread praise and cemented his place in the annals of Indian cricket.

India’s commanding first-innings score of 649 for 9 declared was built on solid contributions from captain Virat Kohli, who added 139, and Ravindra Jadeja, who smashed an unbeaten 100. Rishabh Pant also came close to a century, contributing a brisk 92.

West Indies failed to handle the pressure! 

The West Indies crumbled under the pressure of India’s massive total. They were bowled out for 181 in their first innings, with Roston Chase’s 53 being the lone bright spot. Ravichandran Ashwin led the Indian bowling attack, picking up 4 wickets for 37 runs. 

In their second innings, the West Indies managed only 196, despite a fighting 83 from Kieran Powell. Kuldeep Yadav claimed five wickets for 57 runs, while Jadeja chipped in with three wickets, sealing India’s victory by an innings and 272 runs.

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