Potchefstroom: In a high-octane clash in the ICC U-19 World Cup, defending champions India are set to take on Pakistan U-19 team in the first semifinal here at Senwes Park on Tuesday. This will be the 10th time the South Asian rivals will face each other at ICC's marquee event.
Though Pakistan have an edge over India when it comes to head-to-head record with 5-4 lead, defending champions India have reasons to go into the game as outright favourites. The four-time champions, India, have emerged winners against Pakistan on the last three occasions.
The last time when they met in 2018 ICC U-19 World Cup semifinal, India imposed a heavy 203 runs defeat on Pakistan.
This time too Priyam Garg led Indian side will look to repeat the feat to play their second consecutive U-19 World Cup final.
In their road to the final, India defeated Australia by 74 runs in the quarterfinal at the same venue while Pakistan defeated neighbours Afghanistan by six wickets to set-up an exciting semifinal against archrivals India.
India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been in outstanding form as he scored three fifties in four World Cup games. Jaiswal smashed his third against Australia in the quarterfinal. All-rounder Atharva Ankolekar also played a crucial role to help India set a match-winning total against the Aussies.
On their way to the final, India defeated Sri Lanka, Japan, New Zealand and Australia respectively. At the same time, Pakistan, two-time ICC U-19 World Cup champions, trounced Scotland, Sri Lanka and Afghanistan respectively. Their match against Bangladesh ended in a no result.
