India A cruised to a routine victory of Pakistan Shaheens in the Emerging Teams Asia Cup, sealing an eight-wicket victory with a little under 14 overs to spare – watch the highlights here.
Both sides had already secured their spots in the semi-finals of the second-string competition, but the victors would earn themselves a knockout clash against the second-placed team in Group A.
Pakistan Shaheens looked on paper the stronger side, with several internationals in their side. India’s squad is entirely uncapped and also contains no one over the age of 23, two self-imposed restrictions.
Despite this, India dominated from the outset. Rajvardhan Hangargekar claimed two wickets in the fourth over, dismissing opener Saim Ayub and No.3 Omair Yousuf for ducks, and Pakistan never truly recovered. While the remainder of their top nine made it to double figures, no one could pass fifty, with regular wickets keeping India ahead.
However, an eventual total of 205 represented a good recovery from 95-6, with Qasim Akram top-scoring with 48 at No.7. Hangargekar saw off Akram and Nos.10 and 11 to complete his five-for.
In reply, India cruised from the off. Sai Sudarshan and Abhishek Sharma put on 58 for the first wicket, while No.3 Nikin Jose contributed 53 in a 99-run stand with Sudarshan. Yash Dhull, captaining the side, came in at No.4 and saw India home with 21 at better than a run a ball.
Sudarshan was the star, however. For a time, it looked as if a century would just elude him, but a late burst enabled him to seal victory and bring up three figures in style. He hit four to move into the nineties and then consecutive sixes to reach his ton and take India past the target.
The semi-finals will take place on Friday, July 21, with India A facing Bangladesh A, and Pakistan Shaheens taking on Sri Lanka A.
