Rising batting sensation Sudharsan showcased his classy stroke game with a magnificent century, perfectly complementing pacemaker Hangargekar’s impressive five-wicket run.
Pakistan, first at bat, was dismissed for 205 runs in 48 overs, mainly due to Hangargekar’s outstanding numbers of 5 for 42 in eight overs. Thereafter, Sudharsan’s unbeaten run of 104 carries from 110 balls ensured the lowly target was comfortably pursued in just 36.4 overs.
Sudharsan showed his dominance by consecutively hitting the senior point guard of the Pakistani team Shahnawaz Dahani for the sixes, first with a hard shot, then by driving the ball over the boundary. This remarkable display allowed Sudharsan to complete its fourth century of List A in style.
His second 99-run wicket partnership with Kerala man Nikin Jose (53 from 64 balls) literally ended Pakistan’s comeback hopes.
Sudharsan, who was equally good against Nepal the other night, hit 10 limits apart from three sixes. His conduct on both sides of the wicket was royal once he was settled. The most impressive part of his stick was the nearly 40 singles he took to spin the strike.
Credit must be given to the skipper Yash Dhull (21 steps on 19 balls), which saw Sudharsan take the leap by giving him most of the hitting during their 53-point stand.
With two required for a win and his century, Sudharsan hit Dahani for an exquisite six on extra coverage to end the game.
“I focused more on risk-free runs. I focused on ones and twos, and cut run balls. Against spinners, it was a risky and tricky wicket to beat. It was better to face fast bowlers,” Sudharsan said after the match.
However, Hangargekar and left arm spinner Manav Suthar (3/36 in 10 overs) also deserve equal credit for restricting Pakistani batters as no one even hit a fifty.
If Qasim Akram (48) and Mubasir Khan (28) had not added 53 for the seventh wicket, the Pakistan side’s tally would not have gained the semblance of respectability it eventually did.
Maharashtra muscleman Hangargekar flips the length stuff upside down with occasional fuller deliveries that do the trick. The pace is around 140 clicks, which made it difficult for top hitters to ramp up.
Rajasthani man Sutar also varied his pace and used the loop wisely to get his share of dismissals.
Short scores: Pakistan A 205 in 48 overs (Qasim Akram 48, Rajvardhan Hangargekar 5/42, Manav Suthar 3/36) vs India A 210/2 in 36.4 overs (Sai Sudharsan 104 not out, Nikin Jose 53).
(With PTI inputs)
