Suresh Raina’s century and another top order failure of Bangladesh ‘A’ side helped India ‘A’ clinched the three-match one-day series, with a 75-run win in the final match in Bangalore on Sunday.
The hosts clinched the series 2-1 after Bangladesh won the second match of the series.
In a rain-hit encounter, Suresh Raina (104) and Sanju Samson (90) powered India ‘A’ to a daunting total of 297-6 before Bangladesh were reduced to 141 – 6 in 32 overs before weather intervention.
Bangladesh were off to a disastrous start when they were left reeling for 6-2 in 3.1 overs before rain first stopped the play.
They were then given a revised target of 290 runs from 46 overs but things hardly improved as the visitors lost another wicket on 24 at ninth over to put themselves into a crisis.
Much like his previous two outings, Liton Das walked out to a tricky situation and looked determined to fight in his brief stay.
Along with skipper Mominul Haque, he accelerated the scoring, taking on Rishi Dhawan with a straight six.
Mominul complemented his efforts at the other end, prompting the India ‘A’ skipper to bring spin into the attack.
The move paid off as chinaman bowler Kuldeep Yadav derailed Bangladesh ‘A’’s attempt of a comeback by dismissing the two set batsmen – Liton (21) and Mominul (37) – in a span of four overs.
Kuldeep finished with 2-29, along with Sreesanth Aravind (2-14), who was called for Indian Twenty20 squad for the upcoming series against South Africa. They along with Karn Sharma (1-28) restricted the visitors well below their target.
Friday’s centurion Nasir Hossain joined Sabbir Rahman with his side tottering at 77 for five in the 20th over but couldn’t replicate his heroics on Sunday as he was cleaned up by Karn Sharma for 22.
A third rain interruption, a stronger one this time, came with Bangladesh ‘A’ on 141/6 in 32 overs, 75 runs behind the par score.
After a half-an-hour’s delay, the match was called off, handing India a 75-run victory according to Duckworth/Lewis method.
Sabbir was unbeaten 41 when rain stopped the play for the one final time.
Earlier, Raina capped of his final preparation before the South Africa series in style with a century while Sanju Samson showcased his flexibility in the batting order by notching up a well-paced knock of 90 after being promoted up the order.
Bangladesh ‘A’ team will now play a three-day match against Ranji Trophy champions Karnataka in Mysore from September 22-24.
-With New Age input
