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This formidable partnership helped India post a commanding total of 326 for five in their final group match of the tournament in Bloemfontein, South Africa.
India’s left arm pacer, Naman Tiwari, emerged as the star with the ball, claiming four wickets for just 20 runs. The bowling unit, under the leadership of Tiwari, effectively restricted the United States to a modest 125 for 8 in the allotted 50 overs.
With this comprehensive victory, India, who had already secured a spot in the Super Six with two previous victories, advanced to the next phase as leaders of Group A, further cementing their status as a formidable force in the U-19 World Cup. .
The United States faced significant challenges in achieving the formidable target set by India, and its innings got off to a shaky start. Pacer Tiwari, along with fellow fast bowler Raj Limbani (17/1), showed exceptional skill with the new ball, dismantling the US top order in the first 10 overs.
Limbani made a breakthrough by dismissing Prannav Chettipalayam in the first over, while Tiwari continued his precise bowling display, claiming the wicket of opener Bhavya Patel in the second over and removing captain Rishi Ramesh in the eighth over. Tiwari’s accuracy was evident, replicating the same level of accuracy seen in the match against Ireland.
Tiwari’s notable scalps also included the determined Utkarsh Srivastava, who emerged as USA’s top scorer with a resilient 40 off 73 balls, and Manav Nayak. The combined efforts of Tiwari and Limbani set the tone for India’s bowling dominance, restricting the United States to a challenging chase of the huge target.
Earlier, India were expected to dominate with the bat. However, the record five-time champions lost a bit of steam towards the end of the innings as the US bowlers destroyed wickets at regular intervals.
While left-handed Arshin scored 108, studded with eight hits to the fence and three maximums, Musheer scored 73 off 76 balls.
The 18-year-old, younger brother of Sarfaraz Khan, continued his good run as he forged a vital 155-run partnership with Arshin.
Although Musheer departed after hitting six boundaries and just six, Arshin soldiered on, anchoring the Indian innings.
Dropped for 16 in the 14th over, he recovered his century in style, flicking the ball through short fine leg for a boundary to the delight of his parents who were cheering their son on from the stands.
Spinner Rishi Ramesh provided a breakthrough for USA by dismissing Musheer in the 36th over. The United States subsequently attacked in quick succession, eliminating the captain. Uday Sharan and batsman Arshin to six balls. Sharan fell to Arya Garg’s surrender, while Ateendra Subramanian claimed Arshin’s prized ground.
Contributions from Sachin Dhas (20), Priyanshu Moliya (27 not out) and Aravelly Avanish (12 not out) propelled India past the 300-run mark, ensuring a formidable total.
Brief score:
India: 326 for 5 in 50 overs (Arshin Kulkarni 108, Musheer Khan 73; Ateendra Subramanian 2/45)
USA: 125 for 8 in 50 overs (Utkarsh Srivastava 40; Naman Tiwari 4/20)
(With PTI inputs)