NORTH SOUND, Antigua – India “A” predictably defeated West Indies A in the first “Test” on Saturday.
Resuming the day on 29 for one and needing 68 more runs for victory, the visitors comfortably wrapped up the contest before lunch, ending on 97 for four to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
The result of the contest was never in doubt, even when Chemar Holder claimed the wicket of Abhimanyu Easwaran with just four runs added to the overnight total, to leave India “A” on 33 for two.
Srikar Bharat, who made 28, and captain Hanuma Vihari, who scored 19, combined in a 49-run partnership to essentially seal the deal and erase any slim possibilities the home side would have had of mounting a comeback.
By the time off-spinner Rahkeem Cornwall struck to remove Bharat, India A needed just 15 more runs.
Jomel Warrican did manage to claim the consolation wicket of Vihari three runs later with his very first ball, but Wriddhiman Saha, not out on nine, and Shivam Dube, not out on four, guided the Indians to victory.
SCOREBOARD
WEST INDIES “A” 1st Innings 228
INDIA “A” 1st Innings 312
WEST INDIES “A” 2nd Innings 180
INDIA “A” 2nd Innings
(overnight 29 for one)
P. Panchal c Brooks b Cornwall 5
A. Easwaran c Blackwood b Holder 27
*H. Vihari c Cornwall b Warrican 19
K. Bharat c Brooks b Cornwall 28
+W. Saha not out 9
S. Dube not out 4
Extras (lb4, nb1) 5
TOTAL (4 wkts, 30 overs) 97
Fall of wickets:1-29, 2-33, 3-82, 4-90
Bowling:Cummins 7-1-35-0, Holder 10-3-33-1, Cornwall 12-4-18-2, Warrican 1-0-7-1
Result: India “A” won by six wickets
Series: India “A” lead the three-match series 1-0
Player-of-the-Match: Shahbaz Nadeem (India “A”)
Umpires: J. Blades, D. Butler
Match referee: V. Burnes
Reserve umpire: B. Joseph
Source: CMC/CWI Media
