Iyer, Khaleel shine in India A’s win over West Indies A in tour opener
While India’s senior team crashed out of the 2019 World Cup, India A team cruised to a solid win over West Indies A side at Coolidge. After being bowled out for 190 in the first innings, the Indian bowling attack showed a great fight. They wrapped up the West Indian side for just 125 runs and earned a 65-run victory.
India A team will be playing five one-dayers followed by three unofficial Tests against West Indies A. India’s senior team will be arriving on the same shores in August and players in the A team shall hope to earn an opportunity with their performances.
Iyer stabilises the innings after the initial stutter
Manish Pandey’s decision to bat first in the tour opener did not bode well for the visiting side. The Indian team lost their first three wickets with just 22 runs on the board. Openers Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shubman Gill were followed by Captain Pandey in the pavilion.
Shreyas Iyer and Hanuma Vihari steadied the things in the middle. Putting up a 95-run partnership for the fourth wicket, they dragged India out of a desperate situation. Vihari was bowled by Rahkeem Cornwall on 34 while Iyer was run out by Rovman Powell on 77.
Chase wipes out the tail
West Indies A captain Roston Chase took the onus on himself and ran through the batting lineup of India A. After dismissing Axar Patel and Deepak Chahar on successive deliveries, he got rid of Rahul Chahar and Khaleel Ahmed to stop India on the score of 190. Akeem Jordan also recorded the figures of 3/43.
Khaleel takes out West Indian top order
The hosts floundered in reply. Deepak Chahar landed the first blow by sending back Sunil Ambris in the first over itself. Left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed then ripped apart the top order with three quick wickets. West Indies A were reeling at 30/4. Jonathan Carter and Powell revived hopes with a 65-run partnership but Powell’s (41) dismissal sparked a collapse.
From 95/4, West Indies A could only get as far as 125 all out. Carter remained not out on 41. Every Indian bowler had at least one wicket to show. Khaleel was most successful bowler with the figures of 3/16 from his 8 overs.
These two teams will square off in the second match on 14th July, Sunday.
