Amazing Amit stars in record win

Colin Adwent

Cricket:

By COLIN ADWENT

colin.adwent@eveningstar.co.uk>

HALSTEAD'S Amit Gupta made a stunning 245, including a hundred off only 38 balls, in a record-breaking 501 for 4 against West Bergholt.

The total, made in 45 overs, was a new PDQ Division One record.

Gupta set the tone for what was to follow by taking 22 off the first over of the match and he completed his first hundred in 38 balls.

When Gupta was dismissed he had amassed a first wicket partnership of 342 in just 28 overs with Justin Rose. Gupta's knock included 18 fours and 23 sixes featuring some huge blows.

Rose went on to score 152 while Goushi Raviendron 58 also joined in the run feast.

In reply West Bergholt were skittled out for 51 in 20 overs.

Gupta, who bats at number three and played for Littlehampton last summer, joined Halstead this season as the club's overseas professional.

So far this season he has scored 878 runs in 18 innings, averaging 48.

Speaking about his boundary-busting innings, the 24-year-old said: “I was feeling great about my batting, especially when I hit 22 off the first over. I had confidence that I would clear the boundary every time so I just went for it.”

Despite the blitzing, West Bergholt's bowlers took their bombardment well.

Gupta said: “Everyone was nice. They said 'well played'. A couple of guys from their team bowled really well.”

Halstead's director of coaching Mark Surridge said: “Amit's made an outstanding contribution this season.

“His innings was amazing. Amit's an extremely aggressive batsman and bats with great confidence. Twenty-three sixes speaks for itself.

“We mustn't forget Justin Rose either who was batting at the other end. He's absolutely thrilled and the club is delighted.”

Surridge said Halstead's 501 was an incredible feat.

“It's unheard of in an afternoon game. You have got to reach into the record books to see if or when anything like this has been done before. It's a colossal score.”