India Under-19s cantered to a five-wicket win against hosts Sri Lanka in the Under 19 Tri Nation one-day series final in Colombo. After Khaleel Ahmed (3/29) and Avesh Khan (2/24) set up the win by bowling the home team out for a paltry 158 runs, MS Washington Sundar then led the chase with a 56-run knock.
Earlier, after the SL elected to bat, the Indian pacers dealt early blows to leave Sri Lanka reeling on 23 for four. Avesh gave India their first breakthrough with 19 runs on the board. While Ahmed followed up with the wicket of the opposition captain, Charith Asalanka the next over, Avesh also sent back opener Kaveen Bandara. A run later, Ahmed’s next wicket was Shammu Ashan which tipped the balance in India’s favour.
Shubham Mavi then chipped in with two wickets while left-arm spinner, Mayank Dagar picked two more. Even as the SL batsmen returned to the dressing room in quick succession, Vishad Randika scored a valuable 58 to help the team set India a 159-run target before being bowled out.
Sundar and Rishabh Pant then set the chase on course with an 89-run opening stand until the latter departed for 35. The opener continued to take the innings forward with Ricky Bhui until he was sent back by Damitha Silva. His 77-ball knock which ensured that India attained the target with ease, comprised of six boundaries.
Bhui, then took the Ishan Kishan-led team to the target with 97 balls to spare and win the tournament.
Brief scores: SL U19 158/10 in 47.2 overs (V Randika 58, K Ahmed 3/29, A Khan 2/24) lost to Ind U19 159/5 in 33.5 overs (MSW Sundar 56, R Pant 35, R Bhui 29*, D Silva 3/18) by 5 wickets
