India A vs West Indies A: 1st unofficial ODI - Yuvraj Singh hits century on comeback, Yusuf Pathan scores a blinder

Yuvraj Singh made a century on his comeback

Comeback man Yuvraj Singh struck a magnificent century and Yusuf Pathan played a blinder of an innings to propel India A to a massive 312/4 in just 42 overs in the first unofficial ODI against West Indies A at the M. Chinnaswamy stadium in Bangalore.

The play started late due to a wet outfield and hence, the match was reduced to 42 overs. West Indies A, lead by Kieran Powell, chose to bowl first and had a good start when both Indian openers, Robin Uthappa (23) and Unmukt Chand (1) were dismissed cheaply by pacers Miguel Cummins and Andre Russell.

Indian all-rounder Yuvraj Singh, playing his first competitive match after the IPL earlier this year, joined Mandeep Singh in the middle with the score at 47/2 in the 12th over.

The duo stitched together a crucial century partnership, collecting 5.4 runs per over in 18.3 overs. Yuvraj Singh started off cautiously, while Mandeep looked in fine knick but had a stroke of luck, being dropped earlier in the innings when he played a strong pull shot straight to short mid wicket. He was on 20 then.

Mandeep, who eventually made 67 off 78 deliveries, hit seven fours and a six in his innings. He was bowled when he missed a delivery from spinner Nikita Miller, trying to work it on the leg side.

Another ex-Indian regular, Yusuf Pathan walked into the middle and along with Yuvraj Singh, created mayhem on the ground. After Mandeep’s dismissal, Yuvraj and Pathan collected 125 runs in the next 9.1 overs.

Yuvraj Singh unleashed an array of beautiful strokes around the ground, as he flicked, drove and cut for boundaries at will. Yusuf too used the long handle to his advantage. Nikita Miller’s 35th over of the innings brought 23 runs, Ashley Nurse gave away 28 while Beaton leaked 24 runs off his over.

Yuvraj Singh reached his century with a straight hit over the sight screen, crossing the landmark in just 80 deliveries. He was dismissed for 123, which he made off 89 deliveries, with 8 fours and 7 sixes.

Yusuf Pathan provided the finishing touches as he remained unbeaten on 70 off just 32 deliveries, with 4 fours and 6 huge sixes. Naman Ojha remained unbeaten on the other end at 10, as India A reached 312/4 after 42 overs.

Andre Russell was the most successful bowler for the tourists as he finished with figures of 4-0-17-1, having to go back into the pavilion after an injury, which hurt West Indies A a lot.