India thrash Proteas by 6 wickets in U-19 world cup

Kuala Lumpur, Feb 19 (UNI) Pradeep Sangwan put up a devastating display of swing bowling to grab five wickets as India recorded a six-wicket win over South Africa in their second match of the ongoing ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup here today.

In what had been billed as the biggest match of Group B, Sangwan made optimum use of the conditions which leant themselves to movement through the air. He ripped through South Africa's top order, finishing with 5-44, the best figures an Indian bowler has registered in any U/19 world cup.

The early exchanges left SA reeling at 45-5, with the talented left-armer bagging all of them.

Jonathan Vandiar (53) and captain Wayne Parnell (31) threatened to stage a recovery for the junior Proteas but spinner Ravindra Jadeja got into the act, taking three quick wickets to make sure SA only managed 149 all out in 30.5 overs.

When it came India's turn to bat, they did not look any less confident.

Opener Taruwar Kohli hit a stylish and unhurried half-century while number three Tanmay Srivastava chipped in with 47 as India took its time, knocking off the runs in 42 overs for the loss of four wickets.

Although mathematically, India could still lose out, there is nothing from this impressive performance to suggest that this side will be anywhere else but top of the table when the group stage is complete.

Meanwhile, defending champion Pakistan survived a spirited performance by New Zealand in Johor to sneak home by 27 runs in a low-scoring encounter at the picturesque MPTI ground in southern Malaysia.

Having won the toss, the Kiwis decided to field first and that decision was quickly vindicated as Pakistan struggled to 8-2 and then 28-4.

Usman Salah-ud-Din (53) and Ali Asad (42) chipped in with crucial contributions as Pakistan put up a meagre total of 156 all out.

In reply, New Zealand's batsmen were not to receive the same success as Pakistan set about defending its low total with fervour and skill.

The theme of tight bowling was continued and New Zealand fell badly behind in the run-rate as the pressure rose.

Eventually they fell 27 runs short of victory with Ahmad Shahzad taking 3-35.

Elsewhere, Nepal gave Australia a scare in Penang as, batting first, the Aussies were bowled out for just 206.

Nepal captain Paras Khadka (4-32 off 10 overs) bowled beautifully but Australia managed to creep to a respectable total thanks to Phillip Hughes (46), Kirk Pascoe (37) and Michael Cramner (32).

In the end, it proved too many for Nepal because, not for the first time, its batsmen were unable to match the performance of the bowlers.

They fell 96 runs short with Rahul Vishwakarma top scoring with 33 not out and Clive Rose (3-21), James Pattinson (3-25) and Steven Smith (3-25) doing the business for Australia.

England easily overcame Bermuda in Group D Having won the toss and decided to bat, Bermuda was then dismissed for just 58 with Hampshire slow left-armer Liam Dawson (3-15) doing most of the damage.

England's openers picked off the runs in just 10.4 overs with James Taylor hitting 43 not out ensuring his side won by 10 wickets.

England is yet to lose a wicket in the U/19 CWC having beaten Ireland by the same margin on the opening day.

Scores in brief: South Africa 149 all out, 30.1 (Jonathan Vandiar 53, Wayne Parnell 31; Pradeep Sangwan 5-44, Ravindra Jadeja 3-23) India 153-4, 30.1 overs (Taruwar Kohli 54, Tanmay Srivastava 47; Wayne Parnell 2-27) UNI XC AB RKM AS1836