On any given stage, the India Pakistan rivalry is known to all. Since the senior Team India lost to Pakistan in the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017, this was the second encounter between the two nations in a major tournament. This time it was the Prithvi Shaw led U-19 Team India who routed Pakistan in the ICC U-19 World Cup semifinals as India bundled out Pakistan for a meagre score of 69 runs to win the match by 203 runs.
It was swashbuckler Shubman Gill's ton and Ishan Porel's 4/17 who starred in the clash where the batsman was awarded the man of the match for his brilliant knock against Pakistan.
Gill delivered an absolute master class in the semis despite the pressure beckoning down on them as he helped India project a score of 272 runs on the board. A score plus 250 seemed like a solid target for the opposition to chase but no Pakistan batsman was able to score above 20 runs.
The much-made hype between the nations was drowned out by an exceptional performance from the Indian bowlers who eased past the batsman.
The clash between the two nations was expected to be an absolute nail-biter as Pakistan defeated South Africa in the quarterfinals. However, it was Team India that didn't break a sweat and cruised past the men in green to win the semis by 203 runs.
The India U-19 coach Rahul Dravid would quite well know how the encounters with Pakistan would go and how important the match is for the two nations, but it was the men in blue who crushed Pakistan to enter the finals.
This is the sixth time that India have qualified for the finals of the U-19 World Cup and will set up the last clash of the tournament against Australia on February 3.
Former legends and Team India players wished the young boys on their huge win. Sachin Tendulkar, Virender Sehwag, Mohammad Kaif, Harbhajan Singh and many more proudly congratulate the young boys on their win. Take a look.
Former Team India swashbuckler Virender Sehwag was highly impressed with the performance and said 'That was brutal. What a win for our boys, thoroughly out playing Pakistan. Best wishes for the finals #INDvsPAK # U19WorldCup'.
Mohammad Kaif also showered praise for the young boys. 'What a routing that was. Brilliant win for our boys in the semi-finals. So proud of them. Best wishes for the finals where India has reached for a record 6th occasion #INDvsPAK'.
The Master Blaster was all praise for the young boys, terming their performance as 'dominant'. 'Quality play with great dominance in all departments. Splendid display! Good luck for the finals. #INDvsPAK'.
Spinner Harbhajan Singh was delighted with Shubman Gill's performance as he said, 'Top Inn by our own lad #shubmanGill in U-19 India vs Pakistan World Cup semi final..so proud of you..keep going guys.. Cup Jeet kar aana hai.. All the best for the finals'.
VVS Laxman also wished the young boys.
