Five-time champions India will be keen to settle old scores when they face arch-rivals Pakistan in a Super Six clash of the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup on Sunday, with memories of a bruising Asia Cup final defeat still fresh. The two sides last met in the Under-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai in December, where Pakistan handed India a crushing 191-run loss. That result came after India had beaten Pakistan by 90 runs in the group stage of the same tournament, making the reversal in the final all the more painful.
India are also expected to stick to their ‘no handshake’ stance against Pakistan, a position adopted following the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor conducted by Indian armed forces. The Indian U-19 side had avoided post-match handshakes with Pakistan in both the group match and final of the Asia Cup. Led by Ayush Mhatre, the Indian team will be firmly focused on avenging that defeat. Adding to their motivation has been a special interaction with Sachin Tendulkar, who addressed the squad virtually during the tournament. “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,” the BCCI posted on X.
BCCI post
“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 remaining fit but also the importance of staying focused, disciplined, humble and rooted in success.” VVS Laxman, head of the Centre of Excellence and part of the support staff at the event, also underlined the impact of the interaction. “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,” Laxman wrote.
VVS Laxman post
India have enjoyed a commanding run in the tournament so far. They opened their campaign with a comfortable six-wicket victory over USA, followed by wins against Bangladesh and New Zealand in the group stage. In the Super Six phase, they hammered hosts Zimbabwe by 204 runs on January 27 to remain unbeaten. Pakistan, however, present a far sterner challenge. The Asia Cup final defeat is likely to weigh on India’s minds, especially against a side that has gathered momentum. With the bat, wicketkeeper Abhigyan Kundu has scored 183 runs from four matches, including a top score of 80, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has added 166 runs. Both have struck two half-centuries and will be eager to convert starts into hundreds. Vihaan Malhotra has also emerged as a key batter after smashing an unbeaten 109 against Zimbabwe. India’s bowling has been led by Henil Patel, who has taken 10 wickets in four matches, while left-arm quick Udhav Mohan impressed with three wickets in the last game. Mhatre himself chipped in with three scalps through his off-breaks against Zimbabwe, and RS Amrish has provided support with the new ball. Pakistan’s campaign began with a loss to England, but they recovered well by beating Scotland and Zimbabwe in the group stage before registering an emphatic eight-wicket win over New Zealand in their Super Six opener on January 27. Opener Sameer Minhas remains Pakistan’s biggest threat. The batter, who struck a stunning 172 in the Asia Cup final against India, has continued his fine form with scores of 74 not out against Zimbabwe and 76 against New Zealand. India are expected to target him early in an effort to curb Pakistan’s scoring. With the ball, Pakistan will rely heavily on right-arm pacer Ali Raza, who has claimed 12 wickets from four matches, while Abdul Subhan has also been effective, picking up 10 wickets in the same number of games.
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