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Vihari, Kalaria take Indian colts past Sri Lanka

September 29, 2011 20:18 IST

The Indian colts sneaked past Sri Lanka by one wicket in the four-nation Quadrangular tournament, courtesy patient half century by Hanuman Vihari and an all-round performance by Rush Kalaria.

Chasing a modest target of 185, the Unmukt Chand-led team made rough weather of the chase before a 44-run eighth-wicket stand between Hanuman (51) and Kalaria (47 not out) saw them through.

Opting to bat first at the VDCA cricket stadium, in Visakhapatnam, only opener Shehan Fernando (70) looked comfortable against the Indian bowlers. He hit 11 boundaries in his 79-ball knock but got very little support from other end, as Sandeep Sharma was the pick of the bowlers, grabbing four for 38.

Kalaria also got a wicket as did last match's hero, off-spinner Baba Aparajith.

The Indians lost wickets in a heap, as Hanuman, who played 107 balls, stayed solid at one end. Skipper Unmukt (28) hit four boundaries and a six in his 18-ball knock before perishing.

At one stage India were 108 for seven, before Hanuman and Kalaria conjured up a useful partnership.

When the former was dismissed at 152, India still needed another 33 runs but Kalaria ensured full points for the 'Boys in Blue'.

Brief scores: Sri Lanka 184/9 in 50 overs (Shehan Fernando 70, Sandeep Sharma 4/38). India 185/9 in 49 overs (Hanuman Vihari 51, Rush Kalaria 47 not out).

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