Pant, bowlers hand India third win

India sealed a 20-run win over England in Colombo, their third consecutive win of the triangular U-19s tournament guaranteeing them a place in the final.

After choosing to bat, captain Rishabh Pant led India's batting effort with a brisk 71 at the start. He put on a 113-run opening stand with Himanshu Rana, who also scored a fifty. Nos. 3 and 4 Ricky Bhui and Virat Singh then added a 52-run partnership after the openers were dismissed. India faltered in their death overs, as they were bowled out for 261 from the last ball of the innings, having been 209 for 4 after 40 overs.

Dan Lawrence gave a strong start to the England chase, smashing nine fours in his 51-ball 55. George Bartlett and Max Holden added 63 for the sixth wicket after England lost three quick wickets in the middle overs. England's chase went downhill soon after Bartlett fell for 70 in the 44th over, as Rahul Batham and Mayank Dagar wrapped up England's innings for 241, picking up three wickets apiece.

England have now lost three in a row at the competition and must hope for India to beat Sri Lanka in their next match to retain slim hopes of reaching the final.