HARARE: Pakistan and India will face each other today in a high-stakes match during the Super Six stage of the ICC Under-19 World Cup.
The match is crucial for both teams, but Pakistan face a tougher challenge as they need a big win to qualify for the semifinals. Pakistan needs to win against India by more than 105 runs to reach the semifinals of the tournament.
If Pakistan set a target of 200 runs, they will need to restrict India and chase the target within 24.2 overs to meet the required net run rate.
India needs to win the match because their current net run rate exceeds that of Pakistan, which guarantees them a semifinals spot. For Pakistan a narrow win will not be enough because they need to achieve a victory by more than 15 runs.
The Under-19 World Cup semifinals will feature England Australia and Afghanistan as confirmed teams.
The upcoming Pakistan-India match will attract large attention from cricket fans as both teams work to advance to the knockout round.
Pakistan Defeats Australia in Second T20
Yesterday, Pakistan achieved a historic victory by defeating Australia by 90 runs in the second T20I match held in Lahore. Australia struggled to chase down the target of 199 runs set by Pakistan, folding for just 108 runs in only 15.4 overs.
Cameron was the highest scorer for the Australian team, managing 35 runs, while Matthew Short contributed 27 runs. Captain Mitchell Marsh was dismissed for 18 runs, and Travis Head fell prey to Saim Ayub, scoring only 4 runs. Josh Ingles and Matthew Short were also quick to leave, returning to the pavilion after making just 5 and 2 runs, respectively.
On the bowling side for Pakistan, Abrar Ahmed and Shadab Khan each claimed three wickets, Usman Tariq took two wickets, while Saim Ayub and Muhammad Nawaz each secured one wicket.
Pakistan began the match by batting first and scored 198 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in their allotted overs. Captain Salman Ali Agha led with a strong innings, scoring 76 runs off 40 balls. Usman Tariq contributed significantly with a partnership of 53 runs, and both Saim Ayub and Shadab Khan added 23 and 28 runs, respectively.
For Australia, bowlers Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Khunniman, Shaun Abbott, and Cooper Connolly each took one wicket.
Prior to the match, Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first. Captain Salman Ali Agha announced he would bat at number 3 and made three changes to the team. Fakhar Zaman, Shaheen Afridi, and Salman Mirza were rested, while Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, and Usman Tariq were included in the playing eleven.
