Unbeaten and brimming with confidence, a well-rounded India will start as overwhelming favourites when they face Afghanistan in the semifinal of the ICC Under-19 World Cup on Wednesday.

India is the most successful side in the tournament’s history, having lifted the title five times in 2000, 2008, 2012, 2018 and 2022 and will now look to move a step closer to a record sixth crown.

The Men in Blue have enjoyed a dominant run so far, winning all five of their matches with authority. Their Super Six clash against arch-rivals Pakistan, which ended in a commanding 58-run victory, underlined their title credentials.

Afghanistan, meanwhile, have had an impressive campaign of their own, registering four wins from five games. Their only defeat came against Sri Lanka, who edged them out by four wickets. While the Afghans have shown resilience and fight, India hold a clear edge on form, depth and overall balance heading into the knockout encounter.

Wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu has been India’s standout performer with the bat, amassing 199 runs from five matches, including two half-centuries. Explosive opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi has also been in fine touch, scoring 196 runs with two fifties, though the team management will hope he converts his starts into a century.

All-rounder Vihaan Malhotra has been another key contributor, scoring 172 runs in five games. His unbeaten 109 against Zimbabwe remains the only century by an Indian batter in the tournament so far.

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Skipper Ayush Mhatre has led well with the ball, picking up six wickets with his off-breaks, but will be keen to make a bigger impact with the bat after scoring 99 runs across five outings. Opener Aaron George’s form is a concern, with just 46 runs from three appearances.

India’s bowling attack has been spearheaded by pace duo Henil Patel and RS Ambrish, who have been outstanding with the new ball, claiming 11 wickets apiece. Left-arm spinner Khilan Patel has also impressed, picking up eight wickets, while Malhotra and Mhatre provide useful spin options in the middle overs.

Afghanistan will need a collective effort to challenge India’s dominance, but the odds remain firmly stacked in India’s favour as they eye another Under-19 World Cup final.

The semifinal will begin at 1:00 PM IST.
(By PTI Inputs)