Yash Dhull. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
The Emerging India-A skipper, Yash Dhull, led from the front as he starred with the bat for his side in the opening game of the ACC men’s Emerging Team Asia Cup 2023. Dhull went on to score his maiden List-A century which guided the side to successfully chase down the target of 176 runs against the United Arab Emirates (UAE-A). Notably, it was a complete performance by the Yash Dhull-led side, whereby, the Indian bowlers first put up a stellar bowling display and then the skipper along with Nikin Hose, chased down the target with 141 balls to spare.
After having won the toss, the Emerging Team India-A opted to bat first against the Emerging UAE-A. The Emirates lost the wicket in the very first over in the form of Jonathan Figy, who was dismissed by Harshit Rana. Thereafter, half of the UAE-A side was already back in the hut after 14 overs. Ashwanth Valthapa (46 off 107 balls) scored the most among all batters, followed by opener, Aryansh Sharma (38 0ff 42 balls). In the end, Mohammed Faraazuddin, with his (35 off 88 balls), took his side to 175/9 in their 50-over quota.
Speaking of India-A’s bowling performance, Harshit picked up four wickets and was the pick of the bowlers, whereas Nitish Kumar Reddy dismissed two batters which meant that the opposition finished their innings with an average score on the board. While speaking of the run chase, India A were expected to chase down the target easily, but UAE picked Sai Sudharsan’s wicket in the third over to give an early jolt.
An unbeaten 108*(84) in the chase makes skipper Yash Dull the Player of the Match against UAE ‘A’ 👏👏
India ‘A’ start off with a victory and 2️⃣ points 🙌#ACCMensEmergingTeamsAsiaCup #ACC pic.twitter.com/t30RTRVMji
— BCCI (@BCCI) July 14, 2023
Post that, opener Abhishek Sharma was bowled in the sixth over by Ali Naseer. It was at this juncture, skipper Dhull arrived at the crease. Dhull, along with Nikin Jose, batted steadily to chase down the target. The 20-year-old Dhull was playing classical shots in his innings, while Jose was playing a perfect supporting role.
Yash Dhull led from the front with his maiden List-A Century in India’s opening game
Meanwhile, speaking of the Emerging India-A skipper, Yash Dhull smacked 20 boundaries and one six during his unbeaten (108* off 84 balls) knock, while Jose hit only five boundaries for his 41 runs in 53 balls. It was a perfectly balanced partnership, as the Indian skipper was playing the aggressive role while the latter was performing the helping role by rotating strikes.
Now, India A will face Nepal in their second league game on July 17, while the big clash against their arch-rival Pakistan will take place on July 19. Nepal are coming off a loss in their last match, as they were beaten by Pakistan by four wickets.