U-19 World Cup: Pakistan win toss, elect to bat first in semi-final against India
POTCHEFSTROOM (92 News) – Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first in their semi-final clash against arch-rival India of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup at the JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom on Tuesday.
The first semi-final will be played between Pakistan and India at Potchefstroom in South Africa. The match will start at 1300 Hours Pakistan Standard Time.
The winners will clinch a spot in the 9 February final of the most prestigious age-group cricket event.
The two teams have tasted glory in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup in the past with the defending champions India victorious on four occasions while Pakistan are the only team to have won back-to-back titles (2004 and 2006).
Pakistan's historic 2006 triumph was registered with one of the most astonishing results in the history of the tournament when the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side convincingly defended their paltry 109-run total by rolling over India for 71 runs at Colombo's R. Premadasa Stadium.
The two teams have frequently clashed in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. Pakistan have won five out of the nine matches between the two sides, while India have won four contests.
The Men in Green have so far shown great depth in both bowling and batting departments in the ongoing tournament. They shot out Scotland for 75 runs in their opening Group C match and restricted Bangladesh to 106 for nine in the rain affected match also played at the JB Marks Oval.
The bowlers also made light work of Afghanistan by bowling them out for 189 in the quarter-final clash.
The batting line-up's depth was visible in game against Zimbabwe when Pakistan recovered from 73 for three to post a 294-run total.
The batsmen also held their own against the fancied Afghan spinners to overhaul the 190-run target for the loss of four wickets with 53 balls to spare.
