India Under-19 clinch tri-series tournament
Feb 11, 2019 at 3:10 PM
An all-round aggressive effort from the bowling department along with Sarfaraz Khan’s unbeaten 27-ball 59 saw India easily cruising to their victory in the Tri –series tournament finals against Bangladesh, held at Jadavpur University ground on 20th December 2015.
The bowling department of the Indian colts did a superb job by demolishing the neighbouring country’s bating line-up and restricting them to just 116 runs in 36.5 overs. The Indian opening batsmen pair of Sundar (12) and Pant (26) were off to a flying start but three quick wickets turned things around a bit. Khare got out for a duck, giving a scare for the Indians to deal with. The captain Bhui and Sarfaraz Khan then took the matter in their own hands and ensured that they seal the victory.
While Bhui was the calm and composed one with his run-a-ball 20, Sarfaraz on the other end, let all hell loose when he kept smashing the Bangladeshi bowlers all over the park. All this clobbering meant, he held the record for the quickest half-ton, throughout the tournament. He blasted his way through the Indian innings by hitting 9 boundaries and 3 sixes at a strike rate of 218.51.
Choosing to bat, Bangladeshi batsmen were put in a spot of bother after they lost quick wickets early in the match, which reduced them to 13 for 2. Sheik (28) and Shanto (45) then stabilized things for their team but after their departure, the rest of the team tumbled down rapidly and hence a low-total for the home team to chase.
Except opener Sundar, every other bowler who freed their arms to swing over the pitch, each had a wicket to cherish. Dagar (3/32), Mavi (2/21) and Lormor (2/11) were Indian bowlers who celebrated more than once and were responsible for Bangladesh’s low total.
This victory adds up to the major victories India Under-19 team has won under senior coach Rahul Dravid. With the Under-19 World Cup starting in January in Bangladesh next year, the veteran would like his team to carry forward this morale-boosting performance and momentum and ultimately clinch the ultimate trophy in this segment.