A seemingly invincible India is primed to win an unprecedented fourth ICC Under-19 cricket World Cup when it takes on West Indies in the final here on Sunday.
India breezed into its fifth final under the guidance of coach Rahul Dravid, routing its opponents in the three league games as well as in the knock-outs.
If it wins the final, India will surpass Australia for the most number of titles in the U-19 showpiece event introduced in 1988. The sub-continent team last won the trophy in 2012 after clinching it in 2008 and 2000.
The Indians seem unstoppable but they can’t afford to take it easy against the West Indians, who have raised their game as the tournament progressed. They finished second in their group before earning plaudits with a spirited showing against Pakistan and Bangladesh in the quarterfinal and semifinal respectively.
India will once again bank on its dangerous opening duo of Rishabh Pant and captain Ishan Kishan to give it a flying start.
Anmolpreet Singh would be high on confidence after making a crucial 72 against Sri Lanka and so would be power-hitter Sarfaraz Khan, who is India’s leading run-getter in the competition with 304 runs at an average of 76. Pacer Avesh Khan, with 11 scalps, has taken the most number of wickets for the team while left-arm spinner Mayank Dagar, too, has impressed with eight wickets. Bangladesh finishes third
Meanwhile at Fatullah, skipper Mehidy Hasan’s all-round effort helped Bangladesh post a three-wicket win over Sri Lanka with three deliveries to spare, to finish third on Saturday.
The scores: Sri Lanka 214 in 48.5 overs (Kamindu Mendis 26, Salindu Ushan 34, Charith Asalanka 76, Mehidy Hasan three for 28) lost to Bangladesh 218 for seven in 49.3 overs (Mehidy Hasan 53, Nazmul Hossain 40, Jaker Ali 31 n.o.).
