Shayan Jahangir sets sight on global opportunities, cricketing breakthrough and Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli remains one of the greatest and most influential batters in world cricket. Many youngsters and budding cricketers look up to the 34-year-old as a source of inspiration. Another such player that Kohli has inspired is former Pakistan Under-19 batter Shayan Jahangir. Currently, Jahangir represents the USA senior cricket team.

Rising to fame in the ICC ODI World Cup 2023 Qualifier, Jahangir scored his maiden century when the USA took on Nepal in a Group A match. Following his sensational ton, Jahangir came forward to talk about his ambitions going forward.

Reflecting upon the same, Jahangir stated that he would like to play against ace Indian batter Virat Kohli once and show him that there is ‘another batter on the block’.

"To play against Virat Kohli, that's my ultimate goal. Play against him, and show there's another batter on the block, waiting for the opportunities in all these big leagues," Jahangir told ICC after his century against Nepal.

Nepal defeated the USA despite Jahangir’s century

Talking about the World Cup Qualifier game between the USA and Nepal, the USA came in to bat first after losing the toss. Opener Sushant Modani propelled the side to a good start, scoring 42 runs. Furthermore, Shayan Jahangir’s unbeaten 100 runs in 79 balls propelled the USA to 207 runs. 

Coming in to chase the target down, Nepal put in an excellent performance with the bat. Kushal Bhurtel, who opened the innings for the side, amassed 39 runs to his name in 54 deliveries. However, it was the unbeaten knocks of Bhim Sharki and Dipendra Singh Airee that helped Nepal chase the target down and win the game in sensational fashion.

Sharki scored 77* runs in 114 balls, whereas Airee amassed 39* runs in 32 deliveries. Nepal chased the target down, scoring 211 runs in 43 overs, winning the game by six wickets. Currently, the USA finds themselves in a tough position as they sit in last place in Group A of the World Cup Qualifiers, with zero points in three matches.