Kolkata : 16-year-old Sundar Washington put up an allround show to enable India cruise to a four-wicket win over Bangladesh, their third win in as many matches, and book a final berth in the Under-19 Triseries one-day cricket tournament at Jadavpur University second campus ground here today.
Chasing a modest 223, India were given a flying start by openers Rishabh Pant (51 from 26 balls; 9×4, 2×6) and Ishan Kishan (24 from 14b; 2×4, 2×6) who put on 67 from 33 balls before Bangladesh triggered a collapse after the latter was runout following a mix-up.
From 67 for no loss, India were reduced to 116/4 in 21.2 overs but the duo of Sundar (50) and Amandeep Khare (41) and held the innings together in a 69-run partnership to set up their victory with nine balls to spare.
Batting at number six, Sundar, who opened the innings in their first two matches, showed perfect control and played to the merit of the ball as it was the Chennai youngster who held the Indian innings together before getting out after a patient 50 from 75 balls (6×4).
“It’s the most important position but I knew there was no extra ordinary thing needed and had to bat normally. I was confident and went with a positive hindsight,” Sundar said.
Asked on coach Rahul Dravid’s influence on the team he said: “He’s giving positive vibes to everyone. It’s great to have a legend like him as the coach.”
The lefthander Sundar who bowls offspin also took 2/25 from his six overs to be the top Indian wicket taker to restrict Bangladesh to 222/7 in 50 overs after they elected to bat.
India now have 13 points from three matches to seal their berth in the Sunday’s summit clash, while Bangladesh with one win have five points.In their last league match tomorrow, Bangladesh will take on Afghanistan who are ye to to open their account.
Bangladesh’s innings revolved around their skipper Mehedi Hasan Miraz’s stellar 87 from 90 balls (10×4, 2×6) to guide them to 222/7 after they opted to bat.
Having been bowled out for 76 in their first match against India, the visitors were off to a watchful
and were 22 for no loss in 10 overs before leftarm spinner Mayank Dagar gave the breakthrough in his second over.
Bangladesh were soon reduced to 47/3 in 18.1 overs with offspinner Sundar Washington giving twin blows in his first spell of 5-1-17-2 to return with 2/25 from six overs.
It was the Bangladeshi skipper who stood tall at the other end and took the score past 150 with 63 and 44 runs partnerships with Jaker Ali Anik (16) and Mohammad Shaifuddin (30) respectively.
Earlier India once again made eight changes to their line-up including that of skipper Ricky Bhui as Jharkhand’s Virat Singh led the side.
Brief Scores
Bangladesh Under 19 222/7; 50 overs (Mehedi Hasan Miraz 87; Sundar Washington 2/25) lost to India Under 19 223/6; 48.3 overs (Rishabh Pant 51, Sundar 50; Mehedi Hasan 2/50) by four wickets.