Himanshu Rana’s 130 helps India post 294 against Afghanistan in ACC Under-19 Asia Cup 2016

Opening batsman Himanshu Rana’s magnificent century helps his side put up 294 against Afghanistan in the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup 2016 at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo. India had steady partnerships going throughout their innings. Rana put up 40 inside 6 overs for the first wicket with Prithvi Shaw. Shaw was looking in good touch before he was dismissed by Wafadar. Rana then strung a superb 95-run stand for the second wicket with Shubman Gill. Skipper Abhishek Sharma played second-fiddle to Rana as well, who was growing in confidence as the innings progressed. Abhishek played sensibly to put on 83 for the third wicket with Rana.

However, India suffered a setback when they lost a couple of quick wickets. Abhishek was the first to go for a 50-ball 31. Priyam Garg was dismissed for 10 soon after that. Salman Khan then joined Rana at the crease. Looking to score quickly, he was eventually caught behind off Mujeeb, who picked up his second wicket of the match. That brought wicketkeeper-batsman Het Patel to the middle. Rana was still going strong at the other end. India were looking set to get a score in excess of 300 at this point before Rana’s innings came to an end in the 45th over. Rana’s 123-ball 130 included 12 fours and 2 sixes. Skipper Naveen-ul-Haq picked up the wicket of the top-scorer.

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Live Cricket Score, India U19 vs Afghanistan U19, ACC U19 Asia Cup, 1st semi-final at Colombo

Naveen kept the pressure on and eventually finished with 5 wickets to his name despite going for 80. His spell ensured that India were restricted to under 300, which looked difficult at one point of time. India were, in fact, bowled out with 5 balls to spare. Afghanistan will have a tough task of chasing this huge total down.

To India’s credit, they have been going at a run-rate close to 6 from the beginning. Afghanistan struck back late in the innings with a few quick wickets to ensure that they restrict India to this score, after they looked set to take the match away from Afghanistan. Earlier, India won the toss and elected to bat first. India finished the group stage of the tournament unbeaten, while Afghanistan progressed to the semi-final after winning two out of their three group stage matches.

Brief Scores:

India U-19: 294 in 49.1 overs (Himanshu Rana 130, Shubman Gill 45, Abhishek Sharma 1 for 46; Naveen-ul-Haq 5 for 80, Wafadar 1 for 48, Mujeeb 2 for 45, Shamsurrahman Wali Khail 1 for 46) vs Afghanistan U-19.