Bowlers, Sarfaraz lead India U-19s to title

A tight bowling performance followed by Sarfaraz Khan's unbeaten 59 steered India Under-19s to a comfortable seven-wicket win in the tri-series final against Bangladesh Under-19s in Kolkata. Bangladesh collapsed to 116 in 36.5 overs, after which India reached the target in just 13.3 overs.

Opting to bat, Bangladesh were rescued briefly by a third-wicket stand of 54 runs between Joyraz Sheikh and Nazmul Hossain Shanto after the openers fell early. The Indian attack, led by left-arm spinner Mayank Dagar, then rocked the Bangladesh middle order, reducing them to 96 for 6 from 67 for 2. As many as four Bangladesh batsmen were dismissed for ducks as they lost their last eight wickets for 49 runs.

Jaker Ali's 24 was the only resistance India faced after the third-wicket partnership, as no batsman apart from Joyraz, Shanto and Jaker crossed double-figures.

India chased down the target with rather ease despite losing three early wickets in the space of 12 balls. Ricky Bhui then combined with Sarfaraz to post an undefeated 75-run partnership that saw India through.