Watch highlights: Ayush Badoni starred with a blistering fifty in India A’s win over Oman to help his team finish the Emerging Teams Asia Cup group stage as the only undefeated side.
While the first two wins against Pakistan A and United Aram Emirates secured a semi-final berth for India, the thumping victory over Oman exerted their dominance as they finished the group stage unbeaten.
The dominant win on Wednesday came riding a blistering fifty from Badoni, who made lightwork of Oman’s target of 141. Badoni was equally adept against spin and pace. He caught the eye with a beautiful lofted six over extra cover against one of the Oman spinners besides executing the sweep shots to perfection. The Delhi youngster's 27-ball stay resulted in six fours and two sixes.
It’s worth noting that the tone of the blazing batting display was set up by opener Abishek Sharma, who in his usual free-flowing fashion struck 34 off 15 deliveries. Captain Tilak Varma (36* off 30) and Rinku Singh (13* off four) remained unbeaten to take their team over the line in 15.2 overs with six wickets remaining.
Earlier, India put on a collective bowling performance to restrict Oman to a below-par score, with skipper Varma using as many as eight bowlers. R Sai Kishore was the pick of the lot, conceding 21 runs off his four overs with a wicket to his name, while Player of the Match Badoni proved economical in his two-over spell, giving away just 13 runs.
Mohammad Nadeem (41 off 49) was Oman's highest scorer. It was wicketkeeper-batter Hammad Mirza's 15-ball 28 not out which gave late impetus to their innings, taking their score to 140-5.
India A will now meet Afghanistan A in the second semifinal on Friday (October 25).
Watch India A v Oman highlights here:
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