Bangladesh upset India in U-19 W'Cup
The ICC Under-19s World Cup yielded another surprise on Thursday as holders India were defeated by Bangladesh in Auckland.
The unpredictability of cricket at this level has come to the fore during this tournament with Bangladesh's result coming after Nepal and Namibia defeated Pakistan and Sri Lanka respectively on Tuesday.
India begun their defence of the World Cup with convincing wins over Canada and South Africa, but their form deserted them as Bangladesh won their first match of the tournament, clinging on to triumph by two wickets.
The day got off to a bad start for India with opener Paul Valthaty taken to hospital suffering from a cut on his head after being struck in the face by a bouncer from Safaq Al-Zabir. Fast bowler Ashiqur Rahman then took 3-17 as India were dismissed for just 77 from 32.4 overs.
However, the modest total was to pose a serious challenge to Bangladesh with Siddhanth Trivedi taking three wickets as India reduced their opponents to 52 for six.
Maninder Bisla and Abhishek Sharma then took a wicket apiece as Bangladesh lurched to 64 for eight still requiring another 14 runs for victory. Tailender Ali Arman saw his side home with a vital unbeaten 12.
However, the victory was not enough to earn Bangladesh a place in the Super League, but their confidence will be sky high going into the Plate Championship next week.
Earlier reports:
India rout Canada in U-19 World Cup
Lanka, Pak shocked
The Indian team profiles | Match schedule
Mail Cricket Editor