U-19 World Cup: Sarfaraz, Sundar guide India to 79-run win over Ireland

Mirpur (Bangladesh), Jan 28: Sarfaraz Khan and Washington Sundar blasted twin half-centuries as India notched up a comprehensive 79-run win over Ireland in their opening match to make a resounding start to their campaign at the ICC Under-19 World Cup here today (January 28).

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Sarfaraz (74) and Washington (62) shared 110 runs in 17.2 overs to pull India from 55 for 4 and post a competitive 268 for nine in their stipulated 50 overs after Ireland won the toss and decided to field.

Rahul Dravid-coached India then returned to dismiss Ireland for 189 in 49.1 overs, despite fifties by Lorcan Tucker (57) and William McClintock (58) in the Group D match played at the Shere Bangla National Stadium here.

Chasing 269 to win, Ireland had a disastrous start as both their openers Jack Tector (1) and Stephen Doheny (4) were sent back to the pavillion within four overs after being run-out by Armaan Jaffer and skipper Ishan Kishan respectively.

First down, Adam Dennison (20) too was dismissed in the 15th over when he tried to glide a Rahul Batham (3/15) delivery to the third man only to be caught by Ricky Bhui at first slip.

Two overs later, Batham picked up his second wicket when he had Gary McClintock caught at first slip by Bhui as Ireland slumped to 46 for four in 16.2 overs. Lorcan Tucker (57) and William McClintock (58) then shared a crucial 113 run partnership for the fifth wicket to help Ireland recover to 159 for five.

However, Zeeshan Ansari got rid of McClintock with wicketkeeper Rishabh Pant knocking the bails off after he tried to go for a big shot. Harry Tector (3) was removed by Avesh Khan in the 45th over as Ireland slipped to 165 for six.

PTI