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'Double ton will boost Shikhar's confidence during SA tour'

Shikhar Dhawan's amazing double century against South Africa 'A' will stand the opener in good stead when India tour that country later this year, his childhood coach Madan Sharma said.

Dhawan struck a magnificent 248, the second highest score in List A games behind former England batsman Alistair Brown's 268 for Surrey against Glamorgan in 2002.

"It's an amazing knock. This will give him confidence that he has scored runs in that country (South Africa). It will also benefit him when India tours South Africa later in the year," Sharma said.

Sharma said the South African tracks suited the batting style of left-hander.

"He likes the ball coming on to the bat and plays on the rise. He is timing the ball perfectly. He likes to hit the ball whenever it's in his radar. And it is yielding good results for him. These are the sort of pitches he likes to bat on," he said.

Purple patch continues for Dhawan

Dhawan, who has been enjoying a purple patch since his return to the Indian team, clobbered the South Africa A bowlers all round the park, amassing 248 runs in just 194 deliveries. Dhawan smashed 30 boundaries and seven sixes in his stupendous batting effort that took India to a whopping 433 for three in a must win game at Pretoria.

Sharma was delighted that this blazing innings from Dhawan came in a crucial match as India A chased a berth in the tri-series final.

"It's a very big achievement to score such a big total in a one-day format. What makes it better is it came in a virtual semi-final. He realise his importance in the team. This innings will help the Indian team qualify for the finals of this tournament," he said.

Sharma said Dhawan's hard work was paying off. "He has struggled a lot and now doesn't want to look back. He is reaping benefits of his hard work now. I am very happy for him," he added.