Bangladesh Under-19 bowlers came up with ruthless bowling performance to restrict mighty India to paltry 177 in 47.2 overs in the final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup and by doing so created a chance to lift the coveted trophy at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom, South Africa on Sunday.
Despite a huge resistance from Yashasvi Jaiswal, Bangladesh held their nerve and wrecked havoc on India batting that saw them claiming last seven wickets for just 21 runs.
In a slow pitch, almost like what they always get in the country, Bangladesh won the all important toss and did not hesitate to bowl first.
The Bangladeshi bowlers didn’t disappoint the fans at all as they bowled well in tandem to hold India back to a total to what looked easier to overhaul in this surface, which generally becomes batting-friendly as the time progresses.
Bangladesh’s three-pronged pacer shared seven wickets among them to make the most damage to Indian batting line up and backed up well by some electrifying fielding from the fielders.
Avishek Das led the way in bowling with 3-40 in nine overs, which was complemented by two wickets apiece by Shoriful Islam and Tanzim Hasan Shakib. Left-arm spinner Rakibul Hasan took 1-29 in a measly bowling effort.
Indian opener Yashasvi Jaiswal battled lonely for the side and made a fabulous 88 off 121, hitting 11 fours and one six. Tilak Verma was the other notable contributor with 38.
When Bangladeshi new ball bowler Shoriful and Tanzim Hasan moved the ball admirably, Jaiswal who struck a century in the semifinal game against Pakistan, resisted them with utmost confidence.
However their tight bowling enabled India to make just 23 runs in the first 10 overs for one wicket. But as the time progresses, Jaiswal became more threatening.
Shoriful came back in the second spell to claim the big wicket of Jaiswal to spark a sensational collapse that saw India losing seven wickets for only 21 runs and gave Bangladesh a hope to get a hand on the coveted trophy for the first time.