Saumy Pandey Takes Hat-trick in Six-wicket Haul as India Beat Afghanistan in U-19 Tri-series Opener

Left-arm spinner Saumy Pandey produced a stunning show with the ball as he took a hat-trick en route to a six-wicket haul against Afghanistan in India’s comfortable win in the one-day U-19 Tri-series opener in Johannesburg on Friday.

The India squad, led by Uday Saharan, is currently in South Africa for a tri-series also featuring the hosts and Afghanistan in the lead up to the 2024 U-19 World Cup which will be held in the African nation.

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India opted to bowl first at the Old Edwardians Cricket Club A Ground and Raj Limbani struck with the third delivery of the match when he got rid of Afghan captain Wafiullah Tarakhil for a duck.

Afghanistan recovered from the early jolt before Pandey triggered a middle-order collapse with a hat-trick as he dismissed the well-set Jamshid Zadran on 26 before sending back Numan Shah and Rahimullah Zurmati off the next two deliveries to leave them struggling at 93/5.

Afghanistan began another recovery but were eventually skittled for 197 in 48.2 overs as Pandey finished with figures of 6/29 from his 10 overs.

In response, India opener Adarsh Singh struck an unbeaten century (112 off 107)  while Musheer Khan scored 39 not out as they overhauled the target in 36.4 overs to win by six wickets.

BCCI secretary Jay Shah praised the team’s stellar show.

“Congratulations to our U19 team on a stellar performance in the first match of the Tri Series against Afghanistan in Johannesburg! @saumy__04’s outstanding 6-fer, including a hattrick, and @adarshsingh__03’s sublime hundred in the run chase were truly commendable. Kudos to our young brigade for a convincing win! @indiancricketteam,” Shah posted on his Instagram account.

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The Indian team will next take on South Africa at the same venue on January 2. The final of the tournament will be held on January 10.

The U-19 world cup starts from January 19 with defending champions India placed in Group A alongside Bangladesh, Ireland and USA.