India A set up a potentially high-tension Emerging Asia Cup final against Pakistan A after beating Bangladesh A by 51 runs in the semi-finals in Colombo on Friday. Bangladesh had India on the ropes and bundled them for 211, a total made possible by captain Yash Dhull’s impressive 66 off 85 balls. But the Indian spinners took advantage of the slightly tacky pitch to oust Bangladesh for 160 to celebrate a fine win.
Left arm spinner Nishant Sindhu accentuated Bangladesh’s fall with a five wicket haul (5 for 20). But the real protagonist for India’s victory was Dhull. He has been talked about in the Indian domestic circuit as a player to be kept in check, and the innings of the day showed the reason.
At 20 years old, Dhull has a much calmer head on his shoulders. The Delhi youngster came to center as India passed 75 for 2 in the 19th.
Dhull immediately tackled a string of Bangladesh spot-on bowlers, who exploited a hint of turn to keep Indian batters in their grip.
Most of them fell in their attempt to step on the gas, and the responsibility of pushing Indian innings fell on Dhull’s shoulders.
He also handled the pressure with confidence. In all, Dhull hit 30 overs in the match and he was the last man to be dismissed in the 50th over.
Dhull and Manav Suther added 41 runs for the eight wicket to bring India close to the 200 run mark, which they eventually passed.
But the total looked subpar as the Bangladesh colts went off the block in thunderous fashion. They scored on six runs and over as openers Tanzid Hasan (51, 56 balls) and Mohammad Naim (38, 40 balls) penalized Indian bowlers.
Bangladesh reached 70 in just over 11 overs. But once the ball started to lose its shine and hardness, Indian spinners brought their team back into the game.
Left arm spinner Suthar fielded Naim which set off a procession of Bangladesh batsmen back to the pavilion.
They lost the rest of the nine wickets for 90 runs to complete a spectacular implosion as Sindhu weaved his magic.
Earlier, Pakistan A defeated Sri Lanka A by 60 runs in the first semi-final to enter the top battle.
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