Gurkeerat inspires India A to crush B'desh A in first unofficial ODI

Gurkeerat Singh produced an all-round performance on Wednesday as India A claimed a comprehensive 96-run win over Bangladesh A in the first unofficial ODI of the three-match series at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

Put in to bat first, the hosts posted a daunting 323-run target for Bangladesh A, thanks to a robust performance from the lower middle order batsmen.

Sanju Samson (73) and Mayank Agarwal (56) smashed contrasting half-centuries before the late-order provided the final flourish.

Samson built a 102 run-partnership with Gurkeerat for the sixth wicket, before adding 78 for the seventh with Rishi Dhawan, who slammed an unbeaten 56 off 34 balls.

In reply, Bangladesh A endured a wobbling start as they were reeling at 87-5 before Nasir Hossain (52) and Liton Das (75) struck a 120-run partnership for the sixth wicket to revive their innings.

However, the collapse of both the batsmen triggered another downfall as the tourists were bundled out for 226 with 7.3 overs remaining.

Gurkeerat produced a terrific off-break bowling as he claimed a five-wicket haul, while Sreenath Arvind retuned figures of 3-29.

India A now lead the three-match series 1-0 and will next take on the visitors on Friday.