In pursuit of a record-extending sixth title, the India would bank on its swashbuckling batting line-up when it takes on England, in what promises to be an evenly-matched summit clash of the ICC Under-19 World Cup on Friday.
India’s successful chase of a massive total to humble Afghanistan in the semifinal, where skipper Ayush Mhatre and opener Aaron George finally produced innings of substance, augurs well for the five-time champion, aiming to regain the trophy it last lifted in 2022.
India has shown resolve from the very first group match against the United States. In the semifinal, it decimated a hardened Afghanistan side to maintain a blemish-free record despite being in pursuit of a 300-plus target.
It now faces another unbeaten team in England.
India will be aware that England has reached this far after knocking out defending champion Australia and will be high on confidence.
To pull off a win, India will need a collective performance befitting the quality in its line-up, which also has batting prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi, whose firestorm approach has left opposition teams struggling for answers.
– PTI
Under-19 World Cup Final: Buoyed by Ayush Mhatre finding form, India keyed up for title decider against England
To pull off a win, India will need a collective performance befitting the quality in its line-up. But England will lean on its batters no less, with Thomas Rew and Ben Mayes being key contributors for the team.
