ACC Emerging Asia Cup | India A Shatters Bangla Tigers Hopes In An Intense Affair; Stage Set For Final Against Pakistan
Indian spinners bamboozled Bangladesh batters (Twitter)
India A secured an impressive 51-run victory over Bangladesh A on Friday in the semi-final of the ACC Men’s Emerging Asia Cup 2023. The win at the R. Premadasa Stadium in Colombo has set the stage for a highly anticipated final against arch-rival Pakistan A on Sunday, July 23.
How the battled panned out?
Bangladesh A openers give a steady start
Chasing a target of 212, Bangladesh A kicked off with a promising start as their opening batsmen compiled a brisk 60-run stand in the first 10 overs without losing a wicket. However, the tide shifted following the powerplay, when Indian spinner Manav Suthar claimed the crucial wicket of Mohammad Naim, who fell for 38.
Middle order crumbles
Nishant Sindhu subsequently dismissed Tanzid Hasan following his half-century. Not long after, Suthar took another significant wicket, catching Zakir Hasan lbw for just 5 runs. The Bangladesh middle order faltered, failing to resist the Indian spinners who systematically decimated the opposition, leaving Bangladesh teetering at 134/6.
Despite a 20-run contribution from Mahmudul Hasan Joy and Mahedi Hasan, the batting lineup couldn't recover. Sindhu's pivotal double-wicket strike in the 32nd over all but sealed Bangladesh's fate. The team was eventually bowled out for 160, falling 51 runs short of the target.
Yash Dhull’s heroics guide India A to competitive total
Earlier, a commendable performance from Dhull saw the team post a respectable score of 211. The Indian captain’s resilient 66 off 85 balls, with six boundaries, was the highlight of the Indian innings.
The Bangladesh A bowling attack, featuring Rakibul Hasan, Mahedi Hasan, and Tanzim Hasan Sakib, managed to dismiss India A in 49.5 overs, each claiming two wickets. The Indian team had a rocky start and couldn't establish consistent partnerships throughout the middle overs.
Nonetheless, Dhull provided the stability India A needed, holding his ground till the last over before being dismissed. Contributions from opener Abhishek Sharma (34) and Sai Sudharsan and Manav Suthar (21 runs each) supplemented India A's total.
Brief Scores
India A: 211/10 (49.5)
Yash Dhull 66 (85),Abhishek Sharma 34 (63)
Rakibul Hasan 2-36 (10), Mahedi Hasan 2-39 (10)
Bangladesh A: 160/10 (34.2)
Tanzid Hasan 51 (56), Mohammad Naim 38 (40)
Nishant Sindhu 5-20 (8), Manav Suthar 3-32 (8.2)
India A won by 51 runs
 "Jatin")
