When Washington Sundar's three-wicket haul derailed Bangladesh's top-order

2018 Nidahas Trophy -  Earlier in the evening, Bangladesh won the toss and opted to field. Rohit Sharma's valiant 89 and Suresh Raina's quickfire 47 helped India post a formidable 176 runs on the board. When Bangladesh started the chase, Rohit Sharma entrusted the 18-year-old, Washington Sundar to bowl with the new ball in the powerplay. A lot of questions would go through the mind of a teenager, particularly when they are dished over with a massive responsibility in unexpected circumstances. But this kind of situation is what fascinated Washington, who had been training in his backyards for dozens of hours in his formative years. On a track which was more conducive to the pace bowlers, the 18-year-old capped off the night playing an important role in India's 17-run win over Bangladesh. He gagged the three vital cogs of Bangladesh's top order  - Tamim Iqbal, Liton Das and Soumya Sarkar - within the space of the powerplay. Particularly in a sport like cricket, the team that does well in the powerplay often has the upper hand in a contest echoing Aristotle's renowned saying, "Job well begun is half done." 
 
Washington Sundar's ability to handcuff the batsman with his tight line and lengths during the powerplay has been the hallmark of his career. He was the shining light in India's triumph in the Nidahas Trophy, claiming 8 wickets and operating with an economy rate of 5.70. Interestingly, 13 of his 20 overs were in the powerplay. 

Speaking to Firstpost news agency, the now-defunct RPS assistant coach, Hrishikesh Kanitkar recollected an instance where he was captivated by the youngster's self-belief. "During the IPL he was asked whether he would be comfortable bowling in the first six overs, and there was no hesitation on his part. He just said, yes for sure, and the way he said it was as if he had been bowling in the first six overs throughout his life and was like his fifth or sixth year of the IPL. It was very normal like 'okay, fine.' So he was up to it,” Kanitkar had said.