Sarfaraz Khan’s 81 helped India win the match © IANS (File Photo)
Khaleel Ahmed took 5 for 30 and Sarfaraz Khan scored a belligerent 81 to help India first restrict Pakistan to 197 and then chase down the total by five wickets in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2016 practice match at Savar. After the India Under-19 batsmen shone in their last practice match against Canada, the bowlers came to the fore to rip through the Pakistan Under-19 batting. Ahmed was the pick of the Indian bowlers, finishing with 5 for 30, while Rahul Batham, Washington Sundar, Mayanka Dagar, Mahipal Lomror, and Armaan Jaffer taking a wicket each. Avesh Khan did not contribute to the wickets column, but conceded only 23 in his 7 overs and was India’s most economical bowler on display. FULL CRICKET BLOG: India vs Pakistan, ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2016 practice match
As for Pakistan, eight batsmen reached double figures but none could score more than Mohammad Umar’s 36. Hasan Mohsin was the only other batsman to cross 30, as Pakistan kept losing wickets in the 45-over a side match. The start of play had been delayed by fog, which caused the match to be reduced to 45 overs per side, but it did not matter as Pakistan were bowled out with five balls to spare in the innings, and India chased down the toal with as many as 68 balls to go.
If India thought their chase would be a walk in the park they were in for a rude shock. Hasan Mohsin removed both openers Ishan Kishan (15) and Rishabh Pant (11) to leave India in a spot of bother at 26 for 2. Sarfaraz, promoted up to No. 4, then took charge. He put on 38 with Ricky Bhui (15) and 45 with Armaan Jaffer (19) before cutting loose. He was eventually out for 81 off 68 balls with 12 fours and a six, but by then the match was firmly in India’s grasp. Washington Sundar (28*) and Mahipal Lomror (22*) then put the finishing touches with a rapid 30-run unbroken stand as India got home with plenty of time and five wickets to spare.
Brief scores:
Pakistan Under-19s 197 in 44.1 overs (Mohammad Umar 36, Hasan Mohsin 33; Khaleel Ahmed 5 for 30) lost to India Under-19s 198 for 5 in 33.4 overs (Sarfaraz Khan 81; Hasan Mohsin 2 for 23, Shadab Khan 2 for 56) by 5 wickets. NOTE: Match reduced to 45 overs per side due to delayed start.