All eyes of the cricketing world on Tuesday were on the ICC U-19 World Cup semi-final clash between India and Pakistan. While the game was expected to be an explosive match-up, Prithvi Shaw‘s Indian team blew Pakistan away for 69 while defending 272 to march into another final.
The summit clash against Australia will be India’s sixth in the history of the tournament – the most managed by any side. Such has been their consistency in the tournament in recent years that they have now made the final in five of the last seven editions.
Both 2018 finalists have been equally successful when it comes to winning titles with three championships each to their name. Hence, the final on Saturday at Mount Maunganui will be a chance for both sides to become the most successful team in the history of the U-19 competition.
It was in 2000 that the Indians first made it to the final of the tournament. A Mohammad Kaif led side beat hosts Sri Lanka in the final at Colombo to clinch the first U-19 World Cup win for India. Yuvraj Singh was the star for India in the tournament as he delivered a man-of-the-series performance.
Since then, their record in the U-19 tournament has only improved with each passing edition. Virat Kohli delivered India’s second title in 2008 when his side beat South Africa in the title clash at Kuala Lumpur.
Virat Kohli led India to the title in the 2008 edition in Malaysia.
India’s third title came in 2012 under the leadership of Unmukt Chand. Australia were the losing finalists in that instance and revenge will be on their minds when the two sides meet on Saturday.
Having made six finals compared to Australia’s five, it is India who hold the edge when it comes to the mantle of being the most successful side in the history of the competition. However, come Saturday, it will be a direct shootout for that claim.
Shaw and his boys have been top-class throughout the tournament, winning all five of their matches. What will also give them greater confidence is teh fact they beat Saturday’s opponents in their opening match of the group-stages.
The Rahul Dravid coached side have been near flawless so far in the U19 World Cup and the final provides them a chance to become the kings of the U-19 world.