India edge past Sri Lanka

A rampant India stormed into the final of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, crushing Sri Lanka by 97 runs in the first semi-final yesterday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The margin of the victory told the tale how hapless the Lankan were against the India who continued justifying their ‘red-hot favourites’ tag in emphatic fashion.
They will take on the winners between Bangladesh and West Indies, who will play the second semi-final tomorrow (Thursday) at the same venue.
Sent into bat first, India racked up a competitive, if not intimidating, 267 for nine, riding on brilliant half-centuries from Anmolpreet Singh and Sarfaraz Khan. The bowlers then complemented the batsmen’s job in steely resolve to shoot Sri Lanka out for 170 in 42.4 overs.
Sri Lanka’s quest of embarrassing the Indian batsmen, utilising the early moisture paid a dividends when they dismissed Indian inform openers Rishabh Pant and skipper Ishan Kishan cheaply. Fresh from a century in the quarter-final Pant made just 14 after spending some uncomfortable moment in the crease while Kishan was utterly clueless during his stay.  He was finally removed for 7 to leave the side 27 for two.
Anmolpreet Singh and Sarfaraz made sure that the Lankan’s party would be short-lived. From a precarious situation, they tilted the match towards them by sharing a 96-run partnership and more importantly set the tune for a late onslaught.
The two in-form batsmen played with serenity as it was expected and gave a fitting reply to the critics who pondered the IPL contract could distract them in the crucial game. Sarfaraz was more attacking between the two but paid the price of his aggressive mood after hitting 65 ball-59 which included six fours and a six.
Anmolpreet raised a prospect of a century, a mark which he deserved. A rare loss of concentration enforced his dismissal when he was on 72. He sent the ball across the rope six times in addition of clobbering a six in his 92 balls knock.
By the time he was finished, he combined for yet another significant 70-run partnership with Washington Sundar who was at his attacking best. He contributed 45 ball-43, striking three boundaries.
Arman Jaffer’s quick 29 off 20 and Mayank Dagar’s 10 ball-17, propelled India to a position which by no means was an easy total to overhaul, given the surface.
It seemed to be the norms that Avesh Khan would make a breakthrough to take India on top right from the start of their bowling. He took out Avishka Fernando (4), the hero of Lanka’s victory against England in the last match and then effected a run out to Kavin Bandara, leaving Lanka 13 for two.
Kavindu Mendis resisted but India never let the momentum go away as they took wickets at regular interval to keep the Lankans at bay. Mendis was the highest scorer with 39 while Sammu Ashan made 38.
While fast bowler Avesh Khan rattled the top order, off-spinner Mayank Dagar triggered a late order collapse. Avesh Khan ended with two for 41 and Dagar claimed three for 21. Anmolpreet Singh was adjudged man of the match for his 72 runs.

India edge past Sri Lanka

A rampant India stormed into the final of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup, crushing Sri Lanka by 97 runs in the first semi-final yesterday at Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium. The margin of the victory told the tale how hapless the Lankan were against the India who continued justifying their red-hot favourites tag in emphatic fashion. They will take on the winners between Bangladesh and West Indies, who will play the second semi-final tomorrow (Thursday) at the same venue. Sent into bat first, India racked up a competitive, if not intimidating, 267 for nine, riding on brilliant half-centuries from Anmolpreet Singh and Sarfaraz Khan. The bowlers then complemented the batsmens job in steely resolve to shoot Sri Lanka out for 170 in 42.4 overs. Sri Lankas quest of embarrassing the Indian batsmen, utilising the early moisture paid a dividends when they dismissed Indian inform openers Rishabh Pant and skipper Ishan Kishan cheaply. Fresh from a century in the quarter-final Pant made just 14 after spending some uncomfortable moment in the crease while Kishan was utterly clueless during his stay. He was finally removed for 7 to leave the side 27 for two. Anmolpreet Singh and Sarfaraz made sure that the Lankans party would be short-lived. From a precarious situation, they tilted the match towards them by sharing a 96-run partnership and more importantly set the tune for a late onslaught. The two in-form batsmen played with serenity as it was expected and gave a fitting reply to the critics who pondered the IPL contract could distract them in the crucial game. Sarfaraz was more attacking between the two but paid the price of his aggressive mood after hitting 65 ball-59 which included six fours and a six. Anmolpreet raised a prospect of a century, a mark which he deserved. A rare loss of concentration enforced his dismissal when he was on 72. He sent the ball across the rope six times in addition of clobbering a six in his 92 balls knock. By the time he was finished, he combined for yet another significant 70-run partnership with Washington Sundar who was at his attacking best. He contributed 45 ball-43, striking three boundaries. Arman Jaffers quick 29 off 20 and Mayank Dagars 10 ball-17, propelled India to a position which by no means was an easy total to overhaul, given the surface. It seemed to be the norms that Avesh Khan would make a breakthrough to take India on top right from the start of their bowling. He took out Avishka Fernando (4), the hero of Lankas victory against England in the last match and then effected a run out to Kavin Bandara, leaving Lanka 13 for two. Kavindu Mendis resisted but India never let the momentum go away as they took wickets at regular interval to keep the Lankans at bay. Mendis was the highest scorer with 39 while Sammu Ashan made 38. While fast bowler Avesh Khan rattled the top order, off-spinner Mayank Dagar triggered a late order collapse. Avesh Khan ended with two for 41 and Dagar claimed three for 21. Anmolpreet Singh was adjudged man of the match for his 72 runs.