NEW DELHI: Middle-order batter Mohamed Amaan struck an unbeaten 118-ball 122 as India thrashed minnow Japan by a massive 211 runs to register their first Under-19 Asia Cup win in Sharjah on Monday.
After Amaan's solid century propelled India to a commanding 339 for six, a clueless Japan were stopped at 128 for 8 as India gained two crucial points and boosted their NRR to +1.680 in the group.
After Japan opted to bowl, Amaan anchored the India with a composed ton that included seven boundaries. Alongside Amaan, opener Ayush Mhatre and middle-order KP Karthikeya provided valuable support with half-centuries.
After Mhatre's explosive 29-ball 54 (six fours and four sixes) laid a solid platform, Karthikeya contributed a brisk 57 off 49 balls, hitting five fours and a six alongside Amaan ton.
Further contributions from C Andre Siddarth (38), Hardik Raj (25 not out), and Vaibhav Suryavanshi (23) powered India to an imposing total.
For Japan, Hugo Kelly and Kiefer Yamamoto-Lake each claimed two wickets.
In the tall chase, Japan never gained momentum and looked in control, losing wickets at regular intervals.
For the Japanese, Hugo Kelly (50) was the top-scorer while Charles Hinze remained unbeaten on 35.
Karthikeya (2/21), Hardik Raj (2/9), and Chetan Sharma (2/14) were the pick of the Indian bowlers.
However, despite the substantial victory margin, India remains at the third spot in the group, below Pakistan and United Arab Emirates.
Earlier, India had suffered a 43-run defeat against arch-rivals Pakistan in their opening match. India next face the UAE in their final group stage match on Wednesday. The top two teams from each group will advance to the semifinals on December 6.
The final is scheduled for December 8.
