Harmeet shines in U-19 World Cup warm-ups

India Wednesday won their second warm-up ahead of their Under-19 World Cup, defeating Afghanistan by 52 runs here at Fred Kratzman Oval.

India, who had won a low-scoring match against Sri Lanka Tuesday, should be a little concerned about Afghanistan scoring 219 in 46.2 overs in reply to their 271 for seven in 50 overs. Mumbai’s left-arm spinner Harmeet Singh bowled exceptionally well to claim five wickets for 32 runs.

India, however, should be happy that their three mainline batsmen showed good touch in hitting 50s, Tamil Nadu youngster Baba Aparajith top-scoring with 83. Delhi skipper Unmukt Chand (70) and fellow-opener Himachal’s Prashant Chopra (67) gave the side a rousing 126-run start.  

All-rounders Shabir Noori (4/45 and 62) and skipper Javed Ahmadi (2/42 and 50) did well with their off-spin and then with the bat.

India just about managed to beat Sri Lanka by 33 runs at Wynnum-Manly Tuesday.

A 98-run fourth-wicket stand between Vijay Zol (43) and Hanuma Vihari (64) enabled India to reach 191/8, recovering from 32 for 3. Hanuma Vihari rescued the team with a well-composed 64.

India then shot out Sri Lanka for 158 in the 46th over after Angelo Jayasinghe had threatened to take his side to victory on his own with an unbeaten 64.

For India, Punjab paceman Kamal Passi took three for 34. All warm-up matches allow to use the entire 15 members to play, but only 11 can bat and bowl.

Brief scores:

India 271/7 in 50 overs ( Prashant Chopra 67, Unmukt Chand 70,  Baba Aparajith 80, Shabir Noori 4/45, Javed Ahmadi 2/42)

Afghanistan 219 in 46.2 overs (Javed Ahmadi 50, Hashmatullah Shaidi 32, Shabir Noori 62, Harmeet Singh 5/32, Vikas Mishra 2/25)

India: 191/ 8 in 50 overs (Hanuma Vihari 64, Vijay Zol 43; Chamod Pathirana 2 for 13, Lahiru Madushanka 2 for 28).

Sri Lanka: 158 all out in 45.5 overs (Angelo Jayasinghe 64 not out; Kamal Passi 3 for 34).

Results of other matches Wednesday:

Sri Lanka 188 (45.2 ov) beat Ireland 138 (39.3 overs) by 50 runs.West Indies 328/7 (50 ov) beat Namibia 182 (46.4 overs) by 146 runs.New Zealand 267/8 (50 overs) beat Nepal 248/9 (50 overs) by 19 runs.Australia 315/7 (50 overs) beat Scotland 244 (45.3 overs) by 71 runs.Papua New Guinea 194/6 (50 overs) lost to Pakistan 197/2 (32.3 overs) by eight wickets.