India U-19 vs Pakistan U-19: The Indian Under-19 cricket team will take on arch-rivals Pakistan in the Under-19 Asia Cup final at the ICC Academy on Sunday, aiming to clinch a record ninth title. Led by captain Ayush Mhatre, the Indian team has had a stellar run in the tournament so far. India topped Group A by winning all their matches, while Pakistan suffered their only defeat in the group stage against India. In that match played last Sunday, India defeated Pakistan by 90 runs. India maintained their momentum in the semi-final, defeating Sri Lanka by eight wickets. Pakistan, on the other hand, secured their place in the final by beating defending champions Bangladesh.
India's journey to the final has been built on all-round performances. The team has proven itself a formidable unit in both batting and bowling departments. Indian batsmen have posted scores of over 400 runs on two occasions. Young talents have particularly impressed in this 50-over tournament. 17-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman Abhigyan Kundu etched his name in history by becoming the first Indian to score a double century in youth ODI cricket, hitting an unbeaten 209 off 125 balls against Malaysia. Meanwhile, Vaibhav Suryavanshi played a blistering innings of 171 runs off 95 balls against the United Arab Emirates.
Whenever the top order faltered, the middle order stepped up. Aaron George of Hyderabad has been in superb form, scoring three consecutive half-centuries while batting at a strike rate of over 100. He has received excellent support from Vihan Malhotra, who remained unbeaten on 61 against Sri Lanka. All-rounder Kanishk Chauhan has played the finisher's role to perfection. He has scored runs at a strike rate of over 127 and has also made a significant contribution with the ball, taking six wickets in four matches. In the group stage match against Pakistan, he took three wickets for 33 runs.
Pace bowler Deepesh Devendran is leading the Indian bowling attack. He has taken 11 wickets in the tournament and is the joint-highest wicket-taker along with Pakistan's Abdul Subhan. His five-wicket haul for 22 runs against Malaysia and his dismantling of the top order against Pakistan are testaments to his excellent form.
Pakistan's greatest strength lies in their fast bowling attack, which includes Abdul Subhan, Mohammad Saiyam, and Ali Raza. In the spin department, Naqab Shafiq and leg-spinner Ahmed Hussain could play crucial roles. However, batting remains a concern for Pakistan. Captain Farhan Yusuf's team has struggled to perform consistently. Sameer Minhas, who scored an unbeaten 177 against Malaysia, will be looking to play a big innings in the final.
In September, India’s senior team had swept Pakistan three times en route to lifting the Asia Cup (T20) title, a trend the junior side will hope to continue.
Pakistan has won the Asia Cup only once, in 2012, while they have finished as runners-up twice. India, on the other hand, is the most successful team in the tournament. The senior Indian team recently defeated Pakistan three times in the T20 Asia Cup, and the junior team will be looking to continue that winning streak. Similar to previous encounters, players from both teams may adhere to the policy of not shaking hands after the match.
India U-19 Squad: Ayush Mhatre (C), Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vihaan Malhotra (vc), Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu (wk), Harvansh Singh (wk), Yuvraj Gohil, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan A. Patel, Naman Pushpak, D. Deepesh, Henil Patel, Kishan Kumar Singh*, Udhav Mohan, Aaron George.
Pakistan U-19 Squad: Farhan Yousaf (captain), Usman Khan (vice-captain), Abdul Subhan, Ahmed Hussain, Ali Hasan Baloch, Ali Raza, Daniyal Ali Khan, Hamza Zahoor (wk), Huzaifa Ahsan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Mohammad Shayan (wk), Niqab Shafiq, Sameer Minhas and Mohammad Huzaifa.
This final match will begin at 10:30 AM IST, with the toss scheduled for 10:00 AM IST at the ICC Academy in Dubai. And will be broadcast live on the Sony Sports Network in India.
