U19 World Cup: India take on Pakistan in must-watch Super Six encounter in Bulawayo

NEW DELHI: Five-time champions India will be keen to settle scores against arch-rivals Pakistan when the two sides meet in a Super Six match of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup on Sunday.

India had suffered a heavy 191-run defeat against Pakistan in the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup in Dubai last December. That loss came after India had beaten Pakistan by 90 runs in the group stage of the same tournament.

India are also expected to stick to their ‘no handshake’ stance against Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack and the subsequent Operation Sindoor carried out by the Indian armed forces.

The Indian Under-19 side had avoided the post-match handshake during both their group match and the final of the Under-19 Asia Cup against Pakistan.

And on Sunday, the Ayush Mhatre-led side will be desperate to avenge that painful loss. Ahead of the big clash, the Indian players received a special virtual interaction with batting legend Sachin Tendulkar.

“The India Under 19 team playing in the ongoing Under 19 World Cup had a virtual interaction with the legend of world cricket, Mr Sachin Tendulkar.

“In what was an invaluable experience, the next generation got insights and perspectives on the important ingredients for success and longevity in an ever-evolving sport, not just limited to technical skills and fitness but also the importance of staying focused, disciplined, humble and grounded in success,” the BCCI posted on X.

“Your experiences and perspective had a powerful impact. They were clearly inspired and motivated. These are lessons they will carry with them for a long time and they are truly grateful,” wrote VVS Laxman, head of the Centre of Excellence and the support staff at the junior World Cup.

India’s dominant run and key performers

India have enjoyed a commanding campaign so far in the Under-19 World Cup. They opened their tournament with a convincing six-wicket win over USA, followed by victories against Bangladesh and New Zealand in the group stage.

In their first Super Six match, India hammered hosts Zimbabwe by a massive 204 runs on January 27 to extend their unbeaten run.

However, Pakistan pose a stern challenge and the memory of the Asia Cup final defeat is still fresh for the Indian camp.

Wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu has been among the runs with 183 runs from four matches including a highest score of 80. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has also impressed with 166 runs from four games. Both batters have scored two fifties each and will be aiming to convert those starts into big hundreds.

Vihaan Malhotra is another batter India will bank on. The left-hander smashed an unbeaten 109 against Zimbabwe in the previous match and will look to continue his fine form.

In the bowling department, right-arm medium pacer Henil Patel has been outstanding with 10 wickets from four matches. Left-arm fast bowler Udhav Mohan also stood out with three wickets against Zimbabwe.

Captain Ayush Mhatre contributed with his off-spin, picking up three wickets in the last match, while RS Ambrish has provided early breakthroughs with the new ball.

Pakistan’s threat and match details

Pakistan, meanwhile, began their campaign with a loss to England but bounced back strongly with wins over Scotland and Zimbabwe in the group stage.

They then registered a dominant eight-wicket victory over New Zealand in their Super Six match on January 27 and will head into the India game full of confidence.

Opener Sameer Minhas has been Pakistan’s standout performer. He had tormented India in the Under-19 Asia Cup final with a brilliant 172 and has continued his form in the World Cup, scoring 74 not out against Zimbabwe and 76 against New Zealand.

Minhas will once again be a key wicket for India, who will look to dismiss him early and restrict his scoring.

With the ball, right-arm pacer Ali Raza has been Pakistan’s main weapon, picking up 12 wickets from four matches. Abdul Subhan has also impressed with 10 wickets, and India’s batters will need to handle both pacers carefully.

Teams:

India: Aaron George, Abhigyan Kundu, Harvansh Pangalia, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi, Ayush Mhatre (c), Vihaan Malhotra, RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Henil Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Udhav Mohan, Kishan Singh.

Pakistan: Farhan Yousaf (c), Usman Khan, Ali Hassan Baloch, Hamza Zahoor, Huzaifa Ahsan, Mohammad Shayan, Sameer Minhas, Ahmed Hussain, Abdul Subhan, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Mohammad Sayyam, Momin Qamar, Niqab Shafiq, Umar Zaib.

Match starts at 1pm IST

(With PTI Inputs)