After a matured unbeaten 79 in the first warm-up match at Brabourne Stadium, the India U-19 World Cup-winning skipper ensured he settled for nothing less than a century yesterday
India A's Unmukt Chand en route his 101 against West Indies at the Wankhede yesterday. Pic/Atul Kamble
Unmukt Chand is keen to make the most of his India 'A' chances this time. After a matured unbeaten 79 in the first warm-up match against West Indies at the Brabourne Stadium on Friday, the India U-19 World Cup-winning skipper ensured he settled for nothing less than a century yesterday.
India A's Unmukt Chand en route his 101 against West Indies at the Wankhede yesterday. Pic/Atul Kamble
The Delhi dasher, taking calculated risk, slammed 101 in 111 balls laced with eight fours and three sixes to help India 'A' post 282 in 48.1 overs. The West Indies, in reply, scored 266-9, losing the second warm-up match by 16 runs.
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Ramdin on song
It looked a repeat of the Brabourne match when the West Indies lost four wickets for 65 in 16 overs. But Darren Sammy and Denesh Ramdin batted sensibly, stitching a 101-run partnership for the fifth wicket to keep the visitors hopes alive.
With the asking rate scaling new heights like the volatile Indian share markets, Ramdin decided to free his arms. He chose Karn Sharma to take 16 runs off the 41st over.
However, Ramdin's onslaught didn't last long as this time he was caught by Jasprit Bumrah off Karun Nair at deep square leg, ending his run-a-ball 102-run innings.
The onus was now on Jason Holder to take WI home, but the 6ft 7 inch all-rounder failed to do so after being caught and bowled by Bumrah for 54 (42 balls) in the final over. Mumbai lad Dhawal Kulkarni was the top performer for India 'A' with 3-39 in 10 overs with three maidens.
Earlier, Unmukt's 192 minutes at the crease was a mixture of power and grace. He put up a fearless show against lanky and fiery West Indian pacers. His gutsy show yesterday must have instilled more confidence in the national selectors, who watched the proceedings from the President's Box.
Firm hand
Unmukt steadied the ship with Nair after his opening partner Murali Vijay was dismissed on 21. Unmukt and Nair (64) the Karnataka batsman put on 149 runs for the second wicket.
After crossing the half-century mark, Unmukt tried to accelerate the innings, playing some elegant drives against WI pacers. But once in his 80s, Unmukt cut down on his extravagant shots. However, he could not resist hitting a six over midwicket after a loose delivery from Marlon Samuels to get into the 90s.
A couple of deliveries later, at 94, Unmukt flicked one but was lucky to survive after Kemar Roach dropped a tough chance at short fine leg off Ravi Rampaul.
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