India U-19 thrashes Bangladesh to lift Tri-Series title

Brief Scores: Bangladesh U-19s 116 (Nazmul Shanto 45(66), Joyraz Sheik 28(40), MJ Dagar 3/32) lost to India U-19s 117/3 (SN Khan 59(27), R Pant 26(16), Mehedi Miraz 1/27)

Bangladesh won the toss and chose to bat first and suffered early blows when Saif Hassan and Pinak Ghosh were sent packing to the pavilion within the mandatory ten overs power-play. Nazmul Shanto tried to steady the innings for Bangladesh as he scored 45 in 66 balls, but the fightback ended after he was bowled by M J Dagar. The rest of the batting line-up was skittled out for a total of 116 in 36.5 overs.

The Indian innings started with intent as Rishabh Pant scored 26 quick runs off 16 balls. After his departure, Sarfaraz Khan, who was the pick of the day, took control of the game as he smashed a brilliant half-century. His knock of 59 (27) consisted of nine fours and three sixes. Sarfaraz along with Ricky Bhui’s 20 in as many balls helped India chase the target in just 13.3 overs.

Indian great Rahul Dravid has played a major role in grooming the young lads as coach of the U-19 team.

The hosts have been in commanding form in the tournament and did not lose a single match enroute to the final. They will be travelling to Sri Lanka next month, for another tri-series between the hosts, India and England in the build-up to the World Cup to be held in Bangladesh next year.