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Akash Gill makes history for Canada with century at ICC U19 Cricket World Cup

Jan 22, 2018 | 6:34 AM

CHRISTCHURCH, New Zealand — All-rounder Akash Gill notched the first century by a Canadian batsman in an ICC U19 Cricket World Cup match as Canada defeated Papua New Guinea by 80 runs Monday.

The win moved Canada into the semifinals of the consolation Plate semifinals.

Gill hit 12 fours and two sixes as Canada scored 265 for eight after being put in to bat. Captain Arslan Khan and Ashtan Deosammy scored 35 apiece for Canada.

“I didn’t really know about that record (first Canada batsman to score a century at the tournament), but it’s honestly a great feeling,” said Gill, named man of the match. “When I got to that milestone, I was just overwhelmed. It still feels surreal to me, I’m just letting it sink in.”

Canadian fast bowler Faisal Jamkhandi and left-arm spinner Aran Pathmanathan each had three wickets as PNG was bowled out for 185 in 44.3 overs. Simon Atai led the way with 81 for Papua New Guinea.

Canada finished third in its pool with a 1-2-0 record. The top two finishers in the four pools advanced to the championship Super League at the 12-country tournament.

The Canadian Press