Ruthless India 'A' inflicted an 80-run defeat on a hapless Kenya in a rain-marred match to book a berth in the final of the triangular series at Nairobi on Saturday.
Put into bat by Thomas Odoyo, the Indian batsmen made merry with a toothless Kenyan attack to pile up 280 for 7 in 46 overs, with handsome contributions from Praveen Kumar (64), Mohd Kaif (51) and Cheteshwar Pujara (67).
Later, Pragyan Ojha (3-30), V Yo Mahesh (3-28), Praveen Kumar (2-34) and Pankaj Singh (2-37) shared the spoils as they skittled out Kenya for a paltry 200.
Praveen Kumar was the automatic choice for the Man of the Match award after his all-round show.
Despite losing Parthiv Patel (1) early in the innings, the swashbuckler in Praveen was in no mood to relent and soon the Kenyan bowlers discovered they were in for some harsh treatment.
Praveen, who had slammed an unbeaten 27-ball knock of 57 in the last game against Kenya, blasted 64 off just 55 balls, inclusive of seven boundaries and three sixes, before he was run out.
Kaif played a sedate 67-ball knock of 51 before his fall and then Pujara (67, 78b, 4x4, 1x6) took the centrestage.
Down the order, Irfan Pathan, who went wicketless with the ball, provided the late sparks, slamming 48 off just 24 balls that included four sixes and two fours.
Chasing a difficult target, Kenya lost wickets at regular intervals and eventually folded up for 200. Alex Obanda top-scored for the hosts with 46.
