 "Pakistan have since turned the game on its head with three back-to-back wickets. Image: JioStar")
India U19 looked in complete control early in their innings against Pakistan U19 in their ongoing ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup in Bulawayo on Sunday. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi was looking in fine touch as always, striking 30 off 22 balls. However, the 14-year-old erred in the 7th over when he got a huge top edge while trying to hook from outside off.
Pakistan, however, handed Sooryavanshi a lifeline after a missed double play, giving him a second chance at the crease. After the Indian star hooked the ball toward square leg, Huzaifa Ahsan misjudged the catch and dropped it. The Pakistani fielder quickly recovered and threw the ball toward the batter’s end, but it was poorly collected by a fielder as the keeper couldn’t reach it in time.
This comedy of errors from Pakistan helped Sooryavanshi survive a near-certain dismissal and gave him a second life, allowing him to convert his 30 into a big total. Unfortunately for India, the opener could not capitalise on this reprieve. He was soon dismissed by Mohammad Sayyam after top-edging a pull off the very next ball, and the momentum swung sharply in Pakistan’s favour.
Pakistan bowlers help their team bounce back
Captain Ayush Mhatre was dismissed for a duck in the same over, with Aaron George falling shortly after to Abdul Subhan, leaving India reeling at 47/3 in 9 overs. Pakistan’s bowlers have turned this do-or-die U19 World Cup Super Sixes clash on its head, putting India under sudden pressure and making the semifinal spot very much up for grabs.
Both India and Pakistan need a win to qualify for the semifinals from Group B alongside England. However, India can still progress even in defeat due to their superior net run rate. India currently have six points, while Pakistan are on four. For Pakistan, a win alone may not be enough, as they must defeat India by a huge margin to advance to the next stage.