CALCUTTA, 26 December 2003 — Naved Latif hammered an impressive 128, but failed to stop India A from posting an 89-run victory over Pakistan A in a triangular one-day cricket tournament here yesterday.
India virtually batted Pakistan out of the match when they amassed 329-6 off 50 overs after electing to bat, with Gautam Gambhir, Sanjay Bangar, Mohammad Kaif and Yuvraj Singh all smashing half-centuries.
The total proved too big for Pakistan, who were bowled out for 240 in the first big match in four years between the two nations on Indian soil.
Pakistan were rocked by fast bowler Amit Bhandari, who grabbed four wickets to reduce the tourists to 72-6.
They could never recover from these blows despite middle-order batsman Latif’s 123-ball knock, which included seven sixes and 11 fours. Pakistan now need to win their remaining two matches against the hosts and Sri Lanka A to keep alive their hopes of qualifying for the Dec. 30 final.
Sri Lanka top the league table with two wins from as many matches, followed by India (1 2) and Pakistan (0 2).
India got off to a flying start when left-handed Gambhir (82) and Bangar (81) put on a run-a-ball 154 for the opening wicket.
One-day specialists Kaif (75) and Yuvraj (60) continued to keep pressure on the Pakistani attack, adding 121 for the fourth wicket to help their team set a stiff target in the eagerly-awaited clash.
Pakistan last toured India in 1999 when the national side under Wasim Akram played three Tests.
Brief scores:
India A: 329-6 in 50 overs (Gautam Gambhir 82, Sanjay Bangar 81, Mohammad Kaif 75, Yuvraj Singh 60, Naved Latif 2-51, Mohammad Hafeez 2-58). Pakistan A: 240 in 48 overs (Naved Latif 128, Bilal Asad 22, Amin-ur-Rahman 21, Amit Bhandari 4-47, Yuvraj Singh 2-25).
Man of the Match: Amit Bhandari (India).
