Medium pacer Deepak Hooda (3/26) led an impressive Indian bowling performance that paved the way for an easy seven-wicket win over New Zealand in an U-19 tri-series match, here on Wednesday.
Already in the final, this was India’s fourth consecutive victory and will take on Australia in the title clash on July 12.
After bowling out New Zealand for 119 in 47.2 overs, India chased down the total with as many as 155 balls remaining at the Marrara Oval.
New Zealand, after electing to bat, got off to a reasonably good start with openers Rakitha Weerasundara and Tim Seifert putting on 34 in 9.2 overs for the first wicket.
But once Seifert (5) was dismissed by Abhimanyu Lamba, the Kiwis faltered badly.
In reply, India lost opener Shreyas Iyer (4) early but skipper Vijay Zol (46 not out) joined hands first with opener Akhil Herwadkar (25) and then with Sanju Samson (23), adding 37 and 48 runs respectively to take his side home.
Published 10 July 2013, 18:40 IST