An impressive all-round display drove India to a four-wicket win over Bangladesh in an Under-19 cricket tri-series match at the Jadavpur University ground here on Tuesday.
Chasing Bangladesh's total of 222/7, the hosts crossed the line with four wickets and eight balls to spare. Wicket keeper-batsman Rishabh Pant top scored for India with a knock of 51 runs while rival captain Mehidy Hassan Miraz's 87 runs with the bat and figures of 2/50 with the ball went in vain.
The Indians were off to a flyer as Pant (51) and Ishan Kishan (24) put on a partnership of 67 runs in 5.4 overs. Kishan got out thereafter but left-handed Pant continued clobbering the bowlers.
Bangladesh crawled back into the contest with quick wickets but knocks from A.N. Khare (41) and Washington Sundar (50) helped the home side inch closer to the target.
M.K. Lomror (not out 19) and M.J. Dagar (not out 11) then finished it off as the Indians grabbed their third win on the trot.
Earlier in the day, after electing to bat, Bangladesh rode on a classy knock of 87 runs from Miraz to post a challenging score of 222/7.
However, it was India who struck early by getting rid of openers Saif Hassan (33) and Sheik Imon (15) in quick succession. Right-arm off spinner Washington (2/25) then dented the visitors further as they were left struggling at 81/4.
However, Miraz kept at it and hit ten boundaries and two sixes en route to his score. At one stage it looked like the visitors may reach a total of around 250 but then Miraz got out.
Contributions towards the end from Jaker Ali Anik (16), Shaif Uddin (30) and Saeed Sarkar (17) ensured their last few overs were used to the fullest as Bangladesh propelled themselves from 188/6 in 46.5 to post 222.
Brief Scores:
Bangladesh (Mehidy Hassan Miraz 87; Washington Sundar 2/25); India (Rishabh Pant 51, Washington Sundar 50; Mehidy Hassan Miraz 2/50)
