NEW DELHI: India A paid the ultimate price for their lackluster performance with both bat and ball, falling to Bangladesh A in a dramatic Super Over during the semifinals of the Rising Stars Asia Cup in Doha on Friday.
After Bangladesh posted a competitive 194 for six in their 20 overs, the Jitesh Sharma-led India A side matched the total, pushing the contest into a tense Super Over.
However, India's decision to send Jitesh Sharma, Ashutosh Sharma, and Ramandeep Singh to bat in the Super Over, leaving in-form Vaibhav Suryavanshi and Priyansh Arya on the bench, proved costly. The gamble backfired as pacer Ripon Mondol dismissed both Jitesh and Ashutosh for ducks, handing Bangladesh a thrilling victory.
Addressing the decision to bench Suryavanshi - who had earlier blasted 38 off just 15 balls, with two fours and four sixes - captain Jitesh Sharma explained that he felt Ramandeep Singh and Ashutosh Sharma were better equipped to handle the high-pressure demands of the Super Over.
"In the team, Vaibhav and Priyansh are masters of the powerplay, while in the death overs, Ashu and Raman can hit at will. So the Super Over lineup was a team decision, and I made the final call," Jitesh said in the post-match presentation ceremony.
Suryavanshi had been India's star performer in the tournament, amassing 239 runs across four matches at an impressive average of 59.75 and a strike rate of 243.88, highlighted by a scintillating 144 off just 42 balls against the United Arab Emirates.
Taking responsibility for the Super Over defeat, captain Jitesh Sharma admitted he should have seen the innings through and guided his side to victory. He managed 33 runs off 23 deliveries, featuring a four and two sixes, before falling to Abu Hider Rony.
"Good game of 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 may win a World Cup for India someday. In terms of talent, they're touching the sky. It's all about learning and gaining experience," Jitesh added.
