Kamal Ghorui
India are the most successful side in the competition’s history, having lifted the trophy five times (2000, 2008, 2012, 2018 and 2022). Australia follow closely with four titles. On Wednesday, India will aim to move a step closer to a record-extending sixth crown.
The Indians have enjoyed a dominant campaign, registering comfortable victories in all five of their matches, including a convincing 58-run win over arch-rivals Pakistan in the Super Six stage.
Afghanistan, meanwhile, have also impressed, winning four of their five games, with their only defeat coming against Sri Lanka by four wickets. However, based on current form and overall balance, India appear to hold the upper hand heading into the knockout clash.
Wicketkeeper-batter Abhigyan Kundu has been India’s standout performer with the bat, accumulating 199 runs in five matches, including two half-centuries. Explosive opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi has also been among the runs, scoring 196 from five games with two fifties, though the team management will hope he converts those starts into a century.
All-rounder Vihaan Malhotra has chipped in with 172 runs, highlighted by a superb unbeaten 109 against Zimbabwe in the group stage.
Captain Ayush Mhatre has led effectively with the ball, claiming six wickets with his off-spin, but will be keen to improve his returns with the bat after managing 99 runs so far, with 53 being his highest score. Opener Aaron George’s form remains a concern, having scored just 46 runs from three outings.
India’s bowling attack is led by right-arm pacers Henil Patel and RS Ambrish, who have been impressive upfront with 11 wickets each. They have received solid support from left-arm spinner Khilan Patel, who has picked up eight wickets in five matches.
Mhatre and Malhotra, who has also taken five wickets in the tournament alongside scoring India’s only century, will look to provide additional options with the ball.
Teams (from):
India U-19: Aaron George, Abhigyan Kundu, Harvansh Pangalia, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Vedant Trivedi, Ayush Mhatre (c), Vihaan Malhotra, RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Henil Patel, Mohamed Enaan, Udhav Mohan, Kishan Singh.
Afghanistan U-19: Mahboob Khan (c), Azizullah Miakhil, Faisal Shinozada, Khalid Ahmadzai, Osman Sadat, Uzairullah Niazai, Abdul Aziz, Aqil Khan, Khatir Stanikzai, Nazifullah Amiri, Nooristani Omarzai, Roohullah Arab, Salam Khan, Wahidullah Zadran, Zaitullah Shaheen.
