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Pakistan Bowl First in Crucial U-19 World Cup Clash vs Unbeaten India

Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first against India in a decisive Super 6 match at the ICC Under-19 World Cup. With England already qualified from Group 2, this match is a must-win for both India and Pakistan to secure the remaining semi-final spot. India, led by Ayush Mhatre, are unbeaten and hold a superior net run rate advantage. A victory for Pakistan would require a significant margin to overcome India's run rate and progress.

Key Points: India vs Pakistan U-19 WC: Pakistan Bowl, Must-Win for Both

  • Pakistan win toss and bowl
  • Must-win for both teams
  • India unbeaten, lead on net run rate
  • One semi-final spot remains in Group 2
2 min read

Pakistan win toss, opt to bowl first against India in crucial Under-19 World Cup clash

Pakistan opt to bowl vs India in crucial U-19 World Cup Super 6 match. A must-win for both teams to secure the final semi-final spot.

"We were looking to bat first. Boys are doing really well. We are confident enough. - Ayush Mhatre"

Bulawayo, February 1

Pakistan Under-19 won the toss and opted to bowl first against India Under-19 in the Super 6 Group 2 match of the ongoing ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026. With the clash serving as the last group-stage fixture, both India and Pakistan are vying to get a spot in the semi-final and the match stands as a must-win for both the Asian teams.

Australia and Afghanistan have qualified for the semifinal from Super Six Group 1, while England has qualified from Super Six Group 2.

With England already through from Group 2, only one spot remains up for grabs. India sit second in the group with three wins from as many matches and a net run rate of +3.337, while Pakistan are third with two wins from three games and a net run rate of +1.484. A victory over India would level Pakistan on points with India at six, but they would need a big-margin win to surpass India's superior net run rate. For the Ayush Mhatre-led India, a win will suffice. Notably, India are unbeaten in the tournament.

India vs Pakistan Under-19 match playing 11s:

India U19 playing 11: Aaron George, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre(c), Vihaan Malhotra, Abhigyan Kundu(w), Vedant Trivedi, RS Ambrish, Kanishk Chouhan, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran.

Pakistan U19 playing 11: Hamza Zahoor(w), Sameer Minhas, Usman Khan, Ahmed Hussain, Farhan Yousaf(c), Huzaifa Ahsan, Ali Hassan Baloch, Abdul Subhan, Momin Qamar, Mohammad Sayyam, Ali Raza.

At the toss, Indian captain Ayush Mhatre said the team is confident and ready to bat first, announcing that Deepesh Devendran replaces Udhav Mohan in the playing 11.

"We were looking to bat first. Boys are doing really well. We are confident enough. The boys are playing really well. It's a sunny day. First three matches, it was raining, there was some difficulties. Last two matches, good weather and it's really helped us. One change. Udhav Mohan misses out, Deepesh comes in," Mhatre said at the toss.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
The pressure is really on Pakistan here. They need a huge win to qualify. India just needs to play their normal game. Exciting match ahead!
V
Vikram M
Good to see the weather is clear. Our batters can really make use of these conditions. Hoping for a big knock from Vaibhav or Ayush. Best of luck to the young team! 🤞
R
Rohit P
Respectfully, I think the team management should have stuck with Udhav Mohan. Changing a winning combination for such a crucial match always carries a risk. Hope Deepesh Devendran proves me wrong!
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Priya S
The captain sounds confident at the toss. That's half the battle won. Let's back our boys! No matter what, an India-Pakistan match is always a thriller. May the best team win (hopefully India!).
D
David E
The net run rate math is fascinating. Pakistan essentially needs a miracle. India's position is strong, but in cricket, anything can happen. Should be a great watch.

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