In pursuit of a record-extending sixth title, India’s Under-19 cricket team will lean heavily on its fearless batting unit when it takes on a resolute England side in the ICC Under-19 World Cup final on Friday. With both teams unbeaten in the tournament so far, the summit clash promises to be a closely fought contest.
India enter the final high on confidence after a stunning semifinal victory over Afghanistan, where they successfully chased down a daunting 300-plus target. Skipper Ayush Mhatre and opener Aaron George delivered crucial innings under pressure, signalling timely returns to form as the five-time champions look to reclaim the title they last lifted in 2022.
India’s firepower meets England’s grit in high-stakes final
India’s campaign has been marked by resilience and depth, starting from their group-stage opener against the United States to their emphatic semifinal performance. Their batting has stood out, led by teenage sensation Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, whose aggressive approach has consistently unsettled opposition bowlers.
Sooryavanshi, who turns 15 next month, has already registered three half-centuries in the tournament and remains a potential game-changer in the final. However, he will need to temper his attacking instincts against an England pace attack spearheaded by Manny Lumsden, whose discipline and movement could punish loose shot selection.
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India will also take heart from their impressive record in tournament finals. This is their 10th appearance in an Under-19 World Cup final, and they have history on their side, having defeated England in their previous final meeting during the 2022 edition in the West Indies.
Mhatre’s return to form has strengthened India’s top order, while the middle order has found stability through consistent contributions from Vihaan Malhotra and wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu, who has impressed both with the bat and behind the stumps.
The Indian pace trio of Deepesh Devendran, Henil Patel and R.S. Ambrish has delivered steady performances, though they face a tougher examination against England’s batting depth. India could therefore rely more on their spin options, Kanishk Chouhan and Khilan Patel, depending on pitch conditions.
While no Indian bowler features among the tournament’s top five wicket-takers — a list topped by England’s Lumsden with 15 wickets — India’s bowling strength has been built on collective effort rather than individual brilliance.
England, meanwhile, arrive with plenty of confidence after eliminating defending champions Australia. Their batting has been driven by Ben Mayes, who has amassed 399 runs including a highest score of 191, making him the tournament’s second-highest run-scorer.
Captain Thomas Rew has also been influential, scoring a century in the semifinal and adding two unbeaten half-centuries to his tally of 299 runs. However, England’s openers Ben Dawkins and Joseph Moores are yet to find consistent form, which could be a concern in a high-pressure final.
With the ball, England will once again bank on Lumsden, supported by Sebastian Morgan and James Minto, as they chase their second Under-19 World Cup title — their first coming back in 1998.
Match starts at 1:00 pm
(By PTI Inputs)
