Prashant Veer powers Mount in semis of Laxman Dass Memorial Cricket

Prashant Veer, a 20-year-old from Saharanpur, had moved to Gaur City in Greater Noida West to realise his dream of becoming a cricketer.

The left-handed batsman, who powered Mount Cricket Club into the semi-finals of the 40th Laxman Dass Memorial Cricket Tournament on Monday with a whirlwind century, trains at the Major Dhyanchand National Stadium under ex-cricketer Vikramjeet Malik.

"I came to Delhi two years ago in pursuit of cricket," says the player who represented Uttar Pradesh in three Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy games last season but could only play under-23s this year.

One of his flatmates is Mohammed Amaan, who led India Under-19, recently at the Asia Cup.

Veer has been playing cricket for 7-8 years now and took to the sport out of interest.

On Monday, he showcased his prowess.

Sandeep Tomar receiving the Figher of the Match Award  

After Carpediem India powered to 363/7 in 40 overs, thanks to 102 off 64 balls (5x4s, 11x6s) by wicketkeeper Sandeep Tomar and fifties from Anshul Gupta (61), Lakhan Singh (65) and Priyam Garg (55), Mount had backs to the wall at 213/5 in the 25th over.

Mount had begun well with wicketkeeper Pranav Rajvanshi scoring 76 off 53 balls (13x4s) and the big-hitting Dev Lakra hammering 61 off 22 balls (2x4s, 7x6s). But once the duo's 107-run third-wicket partnership ended in the 14th over, Mount began to struggle.

"There was pressure on me, as there were no batsmen left. I had to take the game deep, and just wanted to play as long as possible," says the player who is studying at the Lovely Professional University.

Even as wickets kept falling around him, he farmed the strike and ended with 116 off 61 balls (11x4s, 6x6s). His effort helped Mount reach 364/8 on the last ball of the match, winning by two wickets and advancing to the last four stage.

Veer got the Player of the Match Award (top picture).

The tournament is part of Delhi cricket's Hot Weather circuit.

Tags : Prashant Veer, Laxman Dass Memorial, Delhi cricket, Hot Weather, Pranav Rajvanshi, Dev Lakra