India suffered a dramatic middle-order collapse, losing their last seven wickets for a mere 21 runs, to be bowled out for 177 in the final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup, at Potchefstroom in South Africa.
Opener and India's batting star Yashasvi Jaiswal top-scored with 88. In fact, it was his dismissal in the 40th over, with the score reading 156, that sparked panic in the Indian ranks, and resulted in the defending champions being bowled out in 47.2 overs.
For Bangladesh, pacer Avishek Das took 3/40 in his 10 overs. He was ably supported by fellow pacers Shoriful Islam and Tanzim Hasan Sakib, who took two wickets apiece. Islam, in particular, bowled a hostile spell to hasten India's collapse.
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Two unnecessary run-outs—that of Dhruv Jurel, who was going steady on 22, and Ravi Bishnoi—too proved to be costly for India, as Bangladesh kept their cool in the high-pressure match.
Only 23 came off the first 10 overs and India never recovered from the slow start despite a sedate 93-run stand between Jaiswal and N.T. Tilak Verma (38 off 65 balls) in 23.2 overs.
Shoriful and Shakib were not afraid of sledging the Indian batsmen as they bowled full and got the ball to swing away from the left-handers. The fielding was also agile and top-notched, making it difficult throughout the Indian innings.
Once Jaiswal was out, the distinct lack of match-time for other Indian batsmen was evident with skipper Priyam Garg (7) showing rustiness.
The other problem was Jaiswal's inability to force the pace throughout the entire innings did cost India and he was finally snuffed out by Shoriful as he mistimed a pull-shot. His innings had eight fours and a six and finished the tournament with 400 runs.
Siddhesh Veer (0) was gone off next ball by Shoriful and Dhruv Jurel (22 off 38 balls) lacked partners and was run-out after a horrible mix-up with Atharva Ankolekar (3).
Atharva, the hero of the Australia game, was then played on and India finished with a below-par score.
Bangladesh would be fancying their chances to win their maiden World Cup title, while four-time champions India would be banking on their potent bowling attack, led by Kartik Tyagi and Bishnoi, to thwart their neighbours.
