It was day of victories for India in Delhi. While the MS Dhoni-led Team India beat Pakistan at the Feroz Shah Kotla, the India A side beat England XI in another part of Delhi.
Playing at the Palam A ground, Abhinav Mukund’s team registered a 53-run win over the Eoin Morgan-led side under the Duckworth/Lewis method, after the match was reduced to 39 overs-a-side due to bad light.
Earlier, put in to bat, openers Abhinav Mukund and Murali Vijay got India A off to a flying start with a 118-run partnership. While Mukund was the first to depart, sent back by James Tredwell for 57, Vijay made 76, before being castled by Samit Patel. Batting at No.3, Kedar Jadhav remained unbeaten on 52 as India cruised to 224 for four in 39 overs.
Chasing a 229-run target in 39 overs the under the D/L method, the visitors were skittled out for 175 in 36 overs. Back in action after a hiatus, S Sreesanth triggered the England XI collapse with the important wicket of Kevin Pietersen. And although Ian Bell held-up one end with an 89-ball 91-run knock, wickets fell like a pack of cards at the other end. While Mohit Sharma, Jalaj Saxena and Ishwar Pandey ran through the middle order, Ashok Menaria wrapped up the tail to take the hosts to victory.
Brief scorers: India A 224/4 in 39 overs (M Vijay 76, A Mukund 57, K Jadhav 52*) beat England XI 175 all out in 36 overs (I Bell 91, A Menaria 3/43, J Saxena 2/13) by 53 runs under D/L method
