India A continued their unbeaten run in the ACC Men’s Emerging Teams Asia Cup 2023 with an emphatic eight-wicket victory over Pakistan Shaheens in Colombo on Wednesday. Rajvardhan Hangargekar struck both early and late for figures of 5 for 42, as Pakistan Shaheens managed just 205, and Sai Sudharsan’s sparkling unbeaten 104 provided the impetus as India romped home with 80 balls remaining.
Pakistan Shaheens won the toss and chose to bat first, but their lineup struggled to find stability, eventually being dismissed for a below-par score in the 48th over.
The start was disastrous, losing Saim Ayub and Omair Bin Yousuf for a mere nine runs. Sahibzada Farhan and Kamran Ghulam tried to rebuild the innings, adding 36 before Farhan fell to Riyan Parag after scoring 35 with eight boundaries.
The batting woes continued as Kamran partnered with Haseebullah before both fell in the 23rd over, leaving Pakistan in trouble at 78/-5. Mohammad Haris, the Shaheens’ captain, also departed quickly, scoring only 14.
Qasim Akram and Mubasir Khan then put together a fighting partnership of 53 for the seventh wicket to try and wrest the initiative back. However, Nishant Sindhu managed to dismiss Mubasir, who made 28. Akram later paired up with Mehran Mumtaz for another crucial 43-run partnership before losing his wicket in the 46th over after scoring a vital 48.
Mumtaz remained unbeaten on 25, but a lack of support from other batsmen saw Pakistan Shaheens bowled out with 12 deliveries remaining. Hangargekar led the bowling attack, while Manav Suthar (3/36), Parag, and Nishant also contributed with a wicket each.
Chasing the modest target, Sudharsan and Abhishek Sharma, the India A openers, forged a strong 58-run partnership. Although Mubasir dismissed Abhishek for 20 runs, Sudharsan and Nikin Jose dominated the Pakistan Shaheens’ bowlers, building a formidable 99-run partnership.
Mehran managed to have Jose stumped after his 53-run knock, but Sudharsan stood firm and anchored the innings. Yash Dhull, the skipper, joined him to finish the game of with plenty of time to spare.
Sudharsan’s composed effort took just 110 balls, and included 10 fours and three sixes.