ACC Under-19 Cup 2016: Day 3 Round up

After dominating wins over Nepal and Malaysia, India took their title defence a step further with a highly comprehensive win over Sri Lanka on day three of the ACC Under-19 Cup 2016. This unbeaten run in the tournament so far takes them to the semi-final of the tournament. In the other Group A game, Nepal overcame Malaysia’s challenge narrowly by 1 wicket to register their first win of the tournament. The Group B also saw one dominating performance and a narrow game.

Afghanistan, after overwhelming Pakistan, the rising Asian team put forward the most commanding performance of the tournament so far, beating them by 9 wickets and book a semi-final date against the strong Indian side. Bangladesh incurred a loss at the hands of Pakistan but still advanced to the knockouts, thanks to their previous wins over Afghanistan and Singapore. They will meet Sri Lanka from Group A.

Singapore v Afghanistan

In a match which can be termed as a largely lop-sided affair, Afghanistan did not even bother to respect the opponents and crushed Singapore by 9 wickets.

Batting after winning the toss, Singapore was rattled by the fast bowling duo of Yousuf Zazai (4/11) and Mujeeb (4/13) and bundled out for just 73. Six of their batsmen including two middle order boys were dismissed for ducks. Naveen ul Haq (2/26) did the rest of the damage.

In response, as if the humiliation handed over wasn’t enough, the batsman scored runs at an astonishing rate of 19 runs per over to chase down the pea-sized target in a record 4.1 overs. Opener Darwish Rasooli was the chief destroyer, smashing 53 from just 15 balls at a strike rate of 353.

Brief Scores:

Singapore: 73 all out

Afghanistan: 75/1 (4.1/50 overs)

Afghanistan won by 9 wickets (with 275 balls remaining)

Pakistan v Bangladesh

The Bangladesh – Pakistan game was a closely fought one. Pakistan, chasing 231 for victory, took the match till the last over before chasing down the total narrowly by one wicket. The top order played good knocks.

Opener Muhammad Zaid Alam struck 50 from 32 balls, Nasir Nawaz, the skipper, hit 45 from 65 balls while Abdullah Shafique and Ali Zaryab also contributed with a considerable score.

However, in the end, it was Saad Khan, who held his nerve and hit valuable 18 runs to help his team cross the finishing line. Earlier, Bangladesh was put to bat and they did a fair job despite failing to build strong partnerships. Riding on Atif Hossain’s 80 runs knock and Mohammad Rakib’s 42, Bangladesh managed a competitive total before getting bowled out with one ball to spare.

Brief Scores

Bangladesh: 230 in 49.5 overs

Pakistan: 233/9 in 49.1

Pakistan: won by 1 wicket (with 5 balls remaining)

Malaysia v Nepal

Nepal overcame Malaysia’s challenge by 1 wicket in the low scoring game. Batting first Malaysia could manage only 153 despite the efforts of Virandeep Singh who made a patient 75. Muhammad Hasif also contributed with a 21 runs cameo. The disciplined bowling attack of Nepal led by performances from Aadil Khan (3/24) and Sandeep Lamichaane (2/35) set the stage for the victory for Nepal.

However, the Malaysians also were in a competitive mood and gave a tough fight. Once again led y Virandeep (3/29), the bowlers put up a collective effort but eventually were unlucky to lose the match as Nepal edged them out closely, thanks to Pawan Sarraf’s superb 29 batting at No.10

Brief Scores

Malaysia: 153 all out

Nepal: 154/9 (44.4/50 overs)

Nepal won by 1 wicket (with 32 balls remaining)

Sri Lanka v India

India proved superior over their opponent once again as they scripted a simple victory over Sri Lanka by the margin of 6 wickets. After choosing to bat first, The Kamindu Mendis led side lost rack after a steady start given by the openers.

Opener V Chaturanga (44 from 30 balls) looked aggressive but could not carry on for long and was the first to fall. His partner Kelly played patiently but also fell soon and triggered a collapse which saw then get reduced to 97/6 and later 115/7 from being  81/1 at one stage.

Jehan Daniel (67 from 90 balls), however, came to the rescue and saved his team from embarrassment taking the team total to 207 before getting all out. India, in response, faced no issues, and mowed down the target inside 40 overs with the help of Shubham Gill’s almost run a ball knock of 78 runs.

Brief Scores

Sri Lanka: 207 all out

India: 208/4 (39.5/50 overs)

India won by 6 wickets (with 61 balls remaining)