Taunton: Rishabh Pant shone with a counter-attacking 71-ball 67 not out as India A completed a terrific five-wicket victory over West Indies A in the second four-day game, coming back from a precarious position to clinch the series 1-0 on Friday.
Having conceded a first-innings lead of 110 runs at the The Cooper Associates County Ground, India A eventually chased down a target of 321 with plenty to spare.
Hanuma Vihari top-scored with 68 and shared a vital partnership of 136 runs for the third wicket with Karun Nair (55) to help India A to 214 for three at stumps on Thursday. While Pant finished the job, the foundation was laid by Vihari and captain Nair.
It ensured India A did not crumble despite losing two quick wickets inside the first five overs of play on the fourth and final morning. Three quick wickets for seven runs pegged India A back, but Pant, throwing caution to the winds, launched into the opposition attack with some explosive strokes that are so typical of him, to propel his side’s chase.
The Delhi player was unbeaten and found the fence 11 times, and also shared 100 runs with Jayant Yadav (23 not out). This allowed India A, who resumed the fourth day needing 107 more to win, rally around despite losing two wickets inside the first five overs of play.
Jayant, the off-spinner, made 23 not out in an unbroken 100-run sixth-wicket stand with Pant to seal the win.
Brief scores: West Indies A 302 & 210. India A 192 & 321/5 (R. Pant 67 n.o.). India A won by 5 wickets.
PTI