NEW DELHI:
Carrying the legacy of their domination at the Under-19 World Cups, India once again booked their berth in the finale of the marquee tournament in junior cricket, despite the COVID-19 setback.
The Yash Dhull-led side registered a comprehensive 96-run win against Australia in the semifinal on Wednesday at the Coolidge Cricket Ground to set up a date with England in the World Cup final on Saturday.
Saturday’s clash will be India’s fourth consecutive ICC U-19 World Cup final, where they will play for a chance to win the title for the fifth time in the country’s history.
However, the journey hasn’t been easy for the Indian team in this edition as they were infected by the coronavirus and at one point even struggled to pick a fit eleven. Despite missing their key players for a couple of matches, the Indian team has come back fitter and stronger than before.
India showed how much depth they had as the players on the bench delivered impactful performances and the team is unbeaten till now in the tournament.
Opener Angkrish Raghuvanshi is the highest run-scorer for India in this tournament with 278 runs to his name at an excellent average of 55.60, including a best of 144 that came against Uganda in the group stage. On the other hand, left-arm orthodox spinner Vicky Ostwal is the highest wicket-taker for the team with 12 wickets to his name at an average of 10.75.
Ostwal registered his best figures of 5/28 against South Africa in their very first match of this competition.
Meanwhile, all-rounder Raj Angad Bawa has been the standout player for India in this tournament. He has amassed 217 runs in this competition, which includes a record-breaking knock of 162 not out against Uganda, and has also picked up four wickets at an average of 29.75. (IANS)