The four-time champions India U-19 steamrolled the two-time winners Pakistan U-19 by 10 wickets in the Super League Semi-Final 1 at Senwes Park, Potchefstroom. Chasing a comfortable target of 173, India U19 put up a spectacular show against the opponents. Openers Yashasvi Jaiswal and Divyaansh Saxena emerged as the stars of the match. Yashasvi Jaiswal showcased a superb performance and slammed 105 runs off 133 (including 8 fours and 4 sixes). Divyaansh Saxena (unbeaten 59 off 99) raised the bat and brought up his second fifty of the tournament, hitting six fours. The 156-plus stand of the two Indian budding sensations turned out to be the highest partnership of this tournament, guiding India U19 to the finals.
Pakistan U19 bowlers' sloppy fielding gave India U19 complete control of chase. They failed miserably in taking charge of the game. With this victory, India U19 (176/0 in just 35 overs) has reached their third successive final.
Pakistan Innings
After 43 overs, Pakistan U-19 bundled out for 172.
Batting first, Pakistan posted a modest total of 172/9 with the concerted efforts from Rohail and Haider. Haider Ali showcased his prowess as he clinched his maiden U-19 WC fifty. Such an impressive knock is unreal for a young batsman. Pakistan's skipper Rohail Nazir also helped Pakistan stabilize the innings with his excellent knock of 62 runs off 102 deliveries. The dynamic duo Rohail and Haider stitched a 50-run partnership. Their partnership was an epitome of maturity of these two young batsmen, as the two together added 50 runs in just 81 balls.
India’s bowling attack was amazingly steered by leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi and left arm off spinner Atharva Ankolekar. They brought a different dimension to India's bowling attack as their spells always coincided with a major drop in the Pakistan U-19 run-rate. Muhammad Fahad Munir departed for a 16-ball duck and Mohammad Huraira was dismissed just after making 4 runs off 6 balls, and Qasim Akram was run out. Pakistan innings folded for a mere 172; thanks to the dominance of Indian bowlers.
Playing XI for both the teams is as follows:
Pakistan U19: Haider Ali, Mohammad Huraira, Rohail Nazir(w/c), Fahad Munir, Qasim Akram, Mohammad Haris, Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Tahir Hussain, Aamir Ali, Mohammad Amir Khan
India U19: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Divyansh Saxena, Tilak Varma, Priyam Garg(c), Dhruv Jurel(w), Siddhesh Veer, Atharva Ankolekar, Ravi Bishnoi, Sushant Mishra, Kartik Tyagi, Akash Singh
