India Under-19 Enter Semi-Finals, Pakistan Knocked Out

News desk 

Islamabad: India Under-19 defeated Pakistan Under-19 by 58 runs in their final Super Six match of the Under-19 World Cup, securing a place in the semi-finals while eliminating Pakistan from contention.

Batting first, India posted 252 runs, led by Vedant Trivedi’s 68 off 98 balls and contributions from No. 7 RS Ambrish (29), No. 8 Kanishk Chouhan (35), and No. 9 Khilan Patel (21).

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Pakistan struggled to contain India, especially in the last four overs, conceding 39 runs despite having an extra fielder inside the 30-yard circle.

Chasing 253 in 33.3 overs, Pakistan got off to a promising start with Usman Khan scoring 66 and Zahoor hitting 42. However, after the third wicket fell at 63, Pakistan’s innings collapsed, losing eight wickets for 43 runs as India’s spinners exploited the turning pitch. Ayush Mhatre picked up three wickets, with Khilan Patel and Vihaan Malhotra taking three and one respectively.

Despite early dominance at 47 for 3 and later 200 for 7, Pakistan failed to apply sustained pressure on India’s lower order. Indiscipline in bowling and fielding, along with cautious batting after the initial partnerships, ultimately cost Pakistan a semi-final berth.

India, meanwhile, advanced as group leaders and will face Afghanistan in the semi-finals in Harare, having tactically outmaneuvered Pakistan on a tricky pitch.