After the bowlers had done the spadework, Cheteshwar Pujara and Mohd Kaif slammed unbeaten half- centuries as India A pounded Sri Lanka A by nine wickets to win the triangular series in Nairobi, Kenya on Tuesday.

After the bowlers had decimated the Lankan batting order for a meagre total of 165 in just 36.2 overs, the Indians lost the lone wicket of Praveen Kumar (26) before Pujara (68 not out) and skipper Kaif (59 not out) helped them romp home in the final.

Kaif’s decision to insert the Lankans paid early dividends with Irfan Pathan (2-33) drawing first blood in the fifth over.

Stemming the rot
Mahela Udawatte (35) and Gayan Wijekoon (38) did their best to stem the rot, but Pathan and V Yomahesh (3-26) cut a swathe through the Lankan top order and then left-arm spinner Pragyan Ojha (2-33) joined the party to drop early curtains on the Lankan innings.

Parthiv Patel spent a busy day behind the stumps, pouching as many as five catches and effecting a stumping.
In reply, India ‘A’ cruised to 52 in seven overs before Praveen fell.

That brought in Kaif and the former Team India batsman along with Pujara showed scant respect for the Lankan attacks, reaching 167 in just 25.5. overs.

Pujara, who was adjudged Player of the Match, was unbeaten on 68 off 77 balls that included five hits to the fence.

Kaif’s run-a-ball 59 included seven fours besides a six.

Praveen Kumar’s consistent form earned him the Man of the Series award.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka ‘A’: 165 all out in 36.2 overs (Gayan Wijekoon 38, Mahela Udawatte 35; V Yomahesh 3-26, Irfan Pathan 2-33, Pragyan Ojha 2-33) lt to India ‘A’: 167/1 in 25.5 overs (Cheteshwar Pujara 68 n.o, Mohammed Kaif 59 n.o).