It was a perfect setting for India U’19 coach Rahul Dravid to test the skills of his bench strength . As many as eight cricketers were rested in the match against Afghanistan today at the JU campus in Salt Lake . But that did not stop the Indian colts steam rolling their opponent for their second successive win in the ongoing Tri-Nation series as they defeated the Afghans by 33 runs .
Leading from the front Indian captain Ricky Bhui guided his team to an inspirational victory over Afganisthan colts .After winning the toss , the Indian captain decided to bat first.Batting first Indian colts posted a decent score of 236 runs .Delhi wicket keeper Rishabh Pant played a blistering knock of 87 in 88 balls with 10 fours and 2 sixes. Mahipal Lomror boosted India’s total with a quickfire 43 runs. Left arm spinner Rashid Arman was the pick of Afghanistan bowlers picking 47/4. In reply Afghanishan could only manage 203runs in 47.3 overs. Khaleel Ahmed was the highest wickettaker among the Indian bowlers. He produced a spell of 41/4 in six overs to end Afghanistan’s challenge .MK Lomror,Izhan Sayeed and Bengal bowler Pradipta Pramanik took 2 wickets each. Earlier India U’19 coach Rahul Dravid decided to rest as many as 8 players from the eleven that played against Bangladesh .
Later after the match Rishabh pant said,”Dravid sir told me to play my natural game and that is what I tried to do.he has ben sharing all his experience with us and was reflecting in our game.”
Indian cricketers will have a break for a few days before meeting Bangladesh again on November 24 with the finals to played on November 29 .