#Assupol TuksCricket: Pillay scores maiden century for Assupol-Tuks at USSA Tournament

Posted on October 05, 2017

One swallow does not make a summer, and through the same reasoning, it could be argued that one century in cricket does not equate to a future star.
 
But still, it seems if the 18-year-old Jiveshan Pillay might just have that X-factor which is needed to play international cricket in a few years from now.
 
Yesterday in a do or die game during the USSA Tournament he scored 134 runs to help Assupol-Tuks beat Northwest-Pukke by three wickets ensuring that his team secures a spot in the semi-final. 
 
Pillay’s century is currently the highest for the tournament. Ryan Rickleton (UJ) with an unbeaten112 runs and Jean du Plessis (Madibaz B-side) an unbeaten 109 runs are the only other two players to have scored centuries so far. 
 
If the weather allows for play Assupol-Tuks will play against Maties while Northwest-Pukke and the Madibaz will clash in today's other semi-final.
 
It was Pillay's first century for Assupol-Tuks. 
 
"It is something I will treasure because I was able to do so in an important game."
 
Pillay who matriculated at Maritzburg College last year is having quite a successful season.  Playing for the South African under-19-side in a one day series against West India he scored 110 runs and in a one day game for the Titans against the Lions he scored 56 runs.
 
Pillay said he decided to come to Pretoria because he knows that Assupol-Tuks coaches will help him to fulfil his true potential as a cricketer. 
 
According to Pillay, he relishes the challenges that come with opening the batting.
 
"Being an opener is not always easy but if I can bat through the first few overs I know I am in with a chance to make a good score."
 
Pillay considers Virat Kohli, the current Indian cricket captain, to be a role model.
- Author Wilhelm de Swardt

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