The gripping semi-final was played at the West End Park International Cricket Stadium in Doha on Friday, November 22. Suryavanshi scored a smooth 15-ball 38 at the top of the order as India A chased a 195-run target. After the match ended in the Super Over, India A had to bat first. While everyone expected Suryavanshi, the team’s leading run-getter in the tournament, to come into bat for the second time in the day, the duo of Jitesh and Ramandeep marched to resume proceedings.
After Jitesh was dismissed off the first ball by Ripon Mondol, Ashutosh came to bat, while Suryavanshi watched impatiently from the dugout. It was clear that he was eager to move into the middle and take India A to a solid total with his big hitting power. However, India A’s management had other ideas.
Ashutosh was out for a golden duck as India A’s innings ended in just two balls. Bangladesh lost Yasir Ali’s wicket on the first ball but Suyash Sharma followed with a wide to give the opposition a memorable victory.
Both commentators and fans were left perplexed to see India not sending A Suryavanshi, who finished the tournament with a staggering strike rate of 243.88, to mid on in the Super Over. However, Jitesh explained during the post-match presentation ceremony that Suryavanshi and Priyansh Arya are masters in the powerplay while he, Ashutosh and Ramandeep batted well in the back end of the innings.
“In the team, Vaibhav and Priyansh are masters in the powerplay, while in the death overs, Ashu and Raman can strike at will. So the Super Over line-up was a team decision and I took the final call,” said Jitesh.
I should have finished the game: Jitesh Sharma
Jitesh scored 33 off 22 balls and threatened to take the match away from Bangladesh A before being dismissed in the 15th over. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru wicketkeeper-batsman admitted that he should have finished the match for his team.
“Good cricket and a valuable learning experience for us. I will take full responsibility – as a senior I should have finished the game. It’s about learning, not just winning or losing. You never know, these young players could win a World Cup for India one day. In terms of talent, they are heaven in the sky. It’s all about learning and gaining experience,” Jitesh added.
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