India's Under-19 boys walloped the Bangladesh colts in a one-sided final on Sunday to emerge unbeaten champions in the U-19 Tri-series at Jadavpur University's Salt Lake campus ground. The final barely lasted 50 overs as the Indians raced to the target in 13.3 overs after Bangladesh, opting to bat, were skittled out for a paltry 116 in 36.5 overs.
Under-19 coach Rahul Dravid said he was impressed with the boys' attitude and willingness to learn. “We have almost identified the core players who will go on to represent the country in the U-19 World Cup,” said the former India captain. If Bangladesh thought they could make a match of it after taking three Indian wickets for just 42, Sarfaraz Khan didn't take long to dispel their hopes. He smashed an unbeaten 59 off just 27 balls with nine fours and three sixes.
The Mumbai-born batsman, who shifted base to Uttar Pradesh this season, admitted that he was under pressure as he had not scored in three games. “I was in two minds on whether to play my shots or build an innings as we had lost three quick wickets. But I opted to play my natural game,“ said Sarfaraz, the Man-of-theMatch.
Sarfaraz picked out left-arm spinner Saleh Gazi for special treatment after India went to lunch at 52 for 3 in 8 overs. He took 15 runs off Gazi in the first over after resumption of play. In Gazi's next over, Sarfaraz plundered 20 with three fours and a six. Bangladesh skipper Mehedi Hasan Miraz brought himself on to try and check the flow of runs, but Sarfaraz was in no mood to stop as he hit him over mid-wicket for a six. He struck the fastest 50 of the tournament in 23 balls when he hit pacer Abdul Halim for two consecutive boundaries. Opener Rishabh Pant, who gave India a flying start with a quickfire 26 off 16 balls was named Man-of-theSeries.
