U-19 Tri Series: Sarfaraz shines in India's emphatic title win against Bangladesh

A STUPENDOUS BOWLING effort coupled with a quickfire half-century by Sarfaraz Khan saw the India Under-19 team beat Bangladesh Under-19 by seven wickets in the tri-series final at the Jadavpur University ground in Kolkata on Sunday.

Having bowled out Bangladesh U-19 for a paltry 116 runs, the Indians were in a spot of bother at 42/3. But then Sarfaraz took matters in his own hands and clobbered the bowlers to all parts of the park to blast an unbeaten 27-ball 59.

The Royal Challengers Bangalore batsman was well supported by captain Ricky Bhui who remained not out on 20. The triumph would give the Indians a huge morale boost before the U-19 World Cup in Bangladesh in January next year.

The hosts got off to a bit of a flyer here with openers Washington Sundar and wicket-keeper Rishabh Pant taking the attack to the opposition. But then Bangladesh struck back with three quick wickets.

But then it was all about the Sarfaraz show as the burly right-hander ensured whatever he could get to would either fly over the ropes or crash to the fence, and in turn smashed the fastest half-century of the tourney. The ones he mishit also flew past the fielders giving them no chance. The effort also won him the man-of-the-match award.

Earlier in the day, the visitors decided to bat after winning the toss, but the Indian bowlers bundled them out for a mere 116. They picked up early wickets upfront which left Bangladesh struggling at 13/2.

The men in green and red recovered a little from the early struggle as Joyraj Sheik Imon and Najmul Hossain Shanto put on a partnership of 54 runs. But Imon (28) got out thereafter and skipper Mehidy Hassan Miraz could not contribute anything to the scorecard. Next to walk back to the pavilion was the well set Shanto (45) after which the Bangladesh batsmen could not even put up a five.

For the Indians, left-arm off spinner Mayank Dagar bagged figures of 3/32 which was the best of the game.