U19 World Cup: Saumy Pandey, Musheer Khan Shine As India Outclass Bangladesh By 84 Runs

Left-arm spinners Saumy Kumar Pandey and Musheer Khan headlined a dominant Indian performance as the defending champions outclassed Bangladesh by 84 runs in their opening game of the ICC U-19 World Cup on Saturday. While the total of 251 for 7 didn't look big, the two Indian spinners choked the run-flow, shooting out 'Tiger Cubs' for a meagre 167 in 45.5 overs. Skipper Uday Saharan (64 off 94 balls) and left-handed opener Adarsh Singh (76 off 96 balls) hit half-centuries after Bangladesh invited the holders to take first strike. Saumy (4/24) was economical and bowled the lethal arm ball with a skiddy action while all-rounder Musheer (2/35) tossed it up and got enough drift to tighten the noose around Bangladeshi batters.

Musheer, younger brother Mumbai's domestic stalwart Sarfaraz Khan, was a livewire on the field. He also effected a run-out.

What was impressive to see was no overt celebrations from either Saumy or Musheer, who carried on their job like thoroughbred professionals.

It was a fairly ill-tempered match with players from both sides indulging in sledging as the two teams have history of tension across senior men, senior women and U-19 level.

For Indian team, it was a sweet revenge after losing the Asia Cup semi-final to Bangladesh.

While the Indian batters found it difficult to get boundaries, the target was never below par as average score of teams batting first in Youth ODIs (U-19 ODI) at this ground was 201, and the highest successful chase being 243. In fact, India's 251/7 on the day was the third highest score at this ground.

The team's designated finisher Sachin Dhas showed admirable technique and temperament during death overs with a nice little unbeaten cameo of 26 off 20 balls that took the score past