Ruturaj Gaikwad and Navdeep Saini shine as India 'A' take 2-0 lead against West Indies 'A'

The Indian 'A' team raised to a 2-0 lead in their ongoing one-day series with West Indies 'A', as they beat the hosts by 65 runs for the second match running. Opener Ruturaj Gaikwad top scored for the visitors with 85 runs, while pacer Navdeep Saini cleaned up things with an impeccable five-wicket haul, ending with figures of 5/46.

After West Indies 'A' won the toss and opted to bowl, the Indian opening duo of Shubman Gill and Ruturaj Gaikwad put on a humongous 151-run opening stand, scoring 62 and 85 runs respectively. However, both batsmen were soon dismissed and a collapse followed soon after, as the Indian team was restricted to just 255/8 off their 50 overs, despite getting off to a bright start. 

In reply, the Windies were pegged back by early strikes by timely breakthroughs as they found themselves 84/6 at one stage, before eventually getting bowled out for 190. Right-arm quick Saini starred with the ball picking up a five-wicket haul, and he was supported by Rahul Chahar (2/47), Khaleel Ahmed (1/32) and Axar Patel (1/21). 

The Indian 'A' team led by Shreyas Iyer would be looking to seal a series win coming Tuesday when they will be playing the 3rd unofficial ODI at the same venue. With several senior players set to be rested for India's upcoming tour of the West Indies, the series will serve as a golden opportunity for several youngsters, who will be looking to break into the Indian ODI side post the World Cup.