Unmukt Chand's ton takes India under-19 to Asia Cup final
A century from Unmukt Chand led India under-19 to a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the semifinal of the Asia Cup. India now take on Pakistan, who beat Afghanistan in their semifinal, on July 1.
- Wisden India Staff
- Updated: June 30, 2012 10:01 AM IST
A century from Unmukt Chand led India under-19 to a six-wicket win over Sri Lanka in the semifinal of the Asia Cup. India now take on Pakistan, who beat Afghanistan in their semifinal, on July 1.
Sanitha de Mel, the Sri Lanka captain, chose to bat first at the Kinrara Academy Oval in Kuala Lumpur, but his batsmen struggled to build any sort of momentum against a disciplined Indian bowling line-up. In the 34th over of the innings Sri Lanka had lost four wickets and put just 121 on the board.
Had it not been for the 113-run partnership between Niroshan Dickwella and Sandun Weerakody, even the eventual 244-run total would not have been possible. Dickwella, who made 66 from 50 balls with eight boundaries was the only Sri Lankan top-order batsman to score at better than a run-a-ball.
For India, Baba Aparajit, the offbreak bowler, returned the best figures, picking up two for 29 from his 10 overs.
When India's turn at bat came there were few hurdles as Chand controlled the tempo of the game from the top of the innings. Even as wickets fell at the other end Chand held his own, falling only when victory was in touching distance. Chand, who made 116 from 141 balls, shared a 105-run partnership for the fifth wicket with Vijay Zol, who made 54.
India reached their target with 17 balls to spare and six wickets still intact.