Online Desk: India A emerged victorious over Bangladesh A in the 2nd Semi-Final of the ACC Men’s Emerging Cup beating Bangladesh by 51 runs. India A’s batters put up a competitive total of 211 runs while batting first, and their bowlers displayed tremendous discipline to restrict Bangladesh A to 160, securing a 51-run win and advancing to the final, UNB reports.

Winning the toss, Bangladesh A captain, Saif Hassan, elected to field first, hoping to capitalize on the pitch’s early assistance. India A’s opening batters, Sai Sudharsan and Abhishek Sharma, provided a steady start, but their dismissals by Tanzim Hasan Sakib and Rakibul Hasan respectively put the pressure on the middle order.

Yash Dhull, the India A captain, led from the front with a well-crafted innings. He played with composure and determination, scoring 66 runs off 85 deliveries. His knock included six boundaries and helped anchor the innings amidst wickets falling at regular intervals. Nikin Jose and Manav Suthar contributed valuable runs to take India A past the 200-run mark. Nishant Sindhu showcased his all-round abilities, adding five wickets to his earlier batting effort, making a significant impact.

Chasing a target of 212, Bangladesh A’s openers, Mohammad Naim and Tanzid Hasan, started confidently, stitching a solid partnership. However, Manav Suthar’s crucial breakthrough dismissed Naim for 38. Tanzid Hasan continued his fine form and scored a well-crafted half-century, but Nishant Sindhu struck again for India, removing him for 51 runs.

Bangladesh A faced some middle-order collapses as Abhishek Sharma and Yuvrajsinh Dodiya made inroads. Saif Hassan tried to fight, but his dismissal by Abhishek Sharma for 22 dealt a big blow to the chase. The pressure mounted, and the Indian bowlers capitalized on the situation.

Sindhu’s exceptional bowling display, finishing with five wickets for 20 runs, was the turning point of the match. He received valuable support from Suthar, who claimed three wickets for 32 runs, and Abhishek Sharma with one wicket. Bangladesh A ultimately faltered, bowled out for 160 runs in 34.2 overs.

Now, India A will take on Pakistan A in the final on July 23 in Colombo. In the first Semi-Final, they beat the hosts Sri Lanka by 60 runs and marched to the final.