NEW DELHI: In a dominating performance, Arshin Kulkarni showcased his batting prowess with a stroke-filled century, scoring 108 runs, while Musheer Khan played a crucial supporting role with 73 runs as defending champions India continued their unbeaten streak in the U-19 World Cup, securing a resounding 201-run victory over the USA.
This formidable partnership contributed to India posting an imposing total of 326 for five in their final group game of the tournament in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
India's left-arm pacer, Naman Tiwari, emerged as the star with the ball, claiming four wickets for just 20 runs. The bowling unit, under Tiwari's leadership, efficiently restricted the USA to a modest 125 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs.
With this comprehensive win, India, having already secured a super six berth with two previous victories, progressed to the next stage as leaders of Group A, further solidifying their status as a formidable force in the U-19 World Cup.
USA faced significant challenges in chasing the formidable target set by India, with their innings off to a shaky start. Pacer Tiwari, in conjunction with fellow fast bowler Raj Limbani (1/17), displayed exceptional skill with the new ball, dismantling the USA top-order within the first 10 overs.
Limbani made an early breakthrough by dismissing Prannav Chettipalayam in the opening over, while Tiwari continued his accurate bowling display, claiming the wicket of opener Bhavya Patel in the second over and removing skipper Rishi Ramesh in the eighth over.
Tiwari's precision was evident, replicating the same level of accuracy seen in the match against Ireland.
Tiwari's notable scalps also included the determined Utkarsh Srivastava, who emerged as the top-scorer for USA with a resilient 73-ball 40, and Manav Nayak. The combined efforts of Tiwari and Limbani set the tone for India's bowling dominance, restricting USA to a challenging pursuit of the massive target.
Earlier, India expectedly dominated with the bat. However, the record five-time champions lost a bit of steam towards the fag end of the innings as USA bowlers chipped away wickets at regular intervals.
While the left-handed Arshin scored 108,peppered with eight hits to the fence and three maximums, Musheer slammed 73 off 76 balls.
The 18-year-old, the younger brother of Sarfaraz Khan, continued his good run as he stitched a vital 155-run partnership with Arshin.
Though Musheer departed after hitting six boundaries and a lone six, Arshin kept going at his end, anchoring the Indian innings.
Dropped on 16 in the 14th over, he brought up his century in style, flicking the ball through short fine leg for a boundary much to the delight of his parents who were cheering their son from the stands.
Spinner Rishi Ramesh provided a breakthrough for USA by dismissing Musheer in the 36th over.
Subsequently, USA struck in quick succession, removing skipper Uday Sharan and the set batter Arshin within six balls. Sharan fell to Arya Garg's delivery, while Ateendra Subramanian claimed the prized wicket of Arshin.
Contributions from Sachin Dhas (20), Priyanshu Moliya (27 not out), and Aravelly Avanish (12 not out) propelled India beyond the 300-run mark, securing a formidable total.
Brief Score:
India: 326 for 5 in 50 overs (Arshin Kulkarni 108, Musheer Khan 73; Ateendra Subramanian 2/45)
USA : 125 for 8 in 50 overs (Utkarsh Srivastava 40; Naman Tiwari 4/20)
(With PTI inputs)
English (US) ·