India vs Pakistan U19 LIVE: India Secures Semifinal Spot
Bulawayo: In a tense Super Six clash at Queens Sports Club, India beat Pakistan to reach the semifinals. Pakistan needed 253 runs but fell short in 33.3 overs. Vedant Trivedi anchored India’s innings with 68, while Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre, and Aaron George fell early. Pakistan bowled tightly but could not stop India from crossing 250.
Pakistan’s Chase Falters
Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf chose to field first, aiming to restrict India. The plan worked at first as Vaibhav Sooryavanshi fell early. Ayush Mhatre and Aaron George followed, leaving India three down. Trivedi and the middle order rebuilt the innings, helping India reach 252. Usman Khan scored a half-century for Pakistan, but the target and rising required run rate proved too steep.
High Stakes in a Tense Tournament
This match had extra tension due to Pakistan’s possible withdrawal from the men’s T20 World Cup in India. India, unbeaten so far, faced elimination if they lost badly. In the Super Six table, England had four wins and a semifinal spot, India sat second with six points, and Pakistan trailed on four points. India relied on consistent performances from multiple batsmen to hold off Pakistan’s threat.
India Advances to Semifinals
Despite Pakistan’s early control with the ball, India’s strong batting ensured victory. The win confirms India’s semifinal berth. Pakistan exits the tournament with net run rate failing to help them. India’s lineup, featuring Trivedi, Sooryavanshi, and Mhatre, showed depth and calm under pressure. The colts now prepare for the semifinals, keeping their U19 World Cup hopes alive.
