Antigua: India and England are all set to lock horns for the ICC Under-19 World Cup Trophy in the Final at North Sound on Saturday.
India U-19 will be looking to lay their hands on a record-extending fifth trophy while England will be aiming for their second trophy.
India booked their place in their fourth successive final after skipper Yash Dhull’s century powered them to a 96-run win over Australia while England defeated Afghanistan by 15 runs in the last 4.
For India, a record fifth title is an objective in their fourth successive final, while England have enjoyed their best ICC U19 Men’s CWC in 24 years since their one victory.
Skipper Tom Prest is only too aware of that history and how much his side have already achieved, and with the likes of Joe Root and Eoin Morgan having been in touch to offer their support, he is hoping to imitate the squad of 1998.
India’s road to the final
India faced South Africa in the opening game of Group B in Guyana. Skipper Dhull’s 82 and a fifer from Vicky Ostwal (5-28) powered India to a 45-run victory after South Africa were bowled out for 187 while chasing 233.
The next match was against Ireland at Tarouba in Trinidad. Openers Angkrish Raghuvanshi (79) and Harnoor Singh (88) posted fifties as India registered a convincing 174-run win to make it two in two.
Up against Uganda in the third match of the group stage in Trinidad, India posted 405/5 in 50 overs with centuries from opener Raghuvanshi (144) and No 4 batter Raj Bawa (162*). A brilliant spell from Nishant Sindhu (4/19) ensured India registered a massive 326-run win and topped Group B.
India then went on to face the defending champions, Bangladesh in the quarter-final where a brilliant bowling performance saw them bowl out their opponents for 111 and then marching on to a five-wicket win in the second innings.
In the last four, India came up against three-time champions Australia. A brilliant century from skipper Yash Dhull helped them post a 291-run target. Once again, an all-round bowling effort helped India to a 96-run win, booking their berth in the final of the tournament.
Top performers:
Angkrish Raghuvanshi has scored the most runs for India with 278 runs in 5 games while left-arm spinner Vicky Ostwal has picked up 12 wickets from 5 games.
