India U19 take on England U19 as they aim for their 5th U19 World Cup

(Cricket news) When it comes to U19 cricket, India is a force to reckon with as year after year they tend to produce world class talents like the likes of Mohammed Kaif, Virat Kohli, Shubman Gill and now the Yash Dhull seems to carry on the same tradition. India are the most successful team in the history of the Under-19 World Cup with four trophies in 14 editions, with eight final appearances. In Antigua today, they are not just in with a shot to bag their fifth title and remain unbeaten in the 2022 edition, but also extend a legacy that will be etched in history books when they face England in the Final.

The Indian youngsters created history as they became the only team to ever qualify to four consecutive finals. They came close to winning the trophy last year, but were beaten by the surprise package Bangladesh. However, they have the chance to rectify last year's disappointment against an unbeaten England side who had a straightforward passage through the group stage. They had a bit of a scare in the semifinal but held their nerve to go past Afghanistan by just 15 runs to give them the best shot at the U19 World Cup trophy and also break their drought that has spanned 24 years. India and England have met seven times before in the tournament with India leading the head-to-head at 5-2, but this will be the first time they are facing each other in a summit clash.

Since Dhull returned from his COVID-enforced break, he has been in sublime form, scoring a  hundred in the semifinal against the mighty Australians. Rasheed,on the other hand, has shown why he comes with a big reputation. Against Australian openers Angkrish Raghuvanshi and Harnoor Singh were cautious in the semifinal as India got off to a slow start but the pair steered India to 290. While the batters have stood up at various stages individually, the bowlers have been the unsung hero as Rajvardhan Hangargekar's extra pace and swing has troubled the top order batters, while Vicky Ostwal has impressed with his exceptional skills, as he tends to exert control in the middle overs. He is subsequently India's leading wicket-taker with 12 wickets at 10.75.

Also read: 1000th ODI: Middle-order in focus, India look for 'fresh ODI template' in Rohit-Dravid era

England captain Tom Prest has had the same effect as he too is leading his side from the front with 292 runs, averaging 73, while Joshua Boyden, the left-arm pacer, has picked up 13 wickets, averaging a brilliant 9.53rpo. Rehan Ahmed the wrist spinner has bamboozled every one with his mystery spin and has provided crucial breakthroughs in the middle period. Jacob Bethell is the most explosive batter in that England batting order and bowls a tidy slow left-arm. England last reached the final way back in 1998, where they went on to win the title. They will look for history to repeat itself, while their opponents are out seeking to make history once again.
 

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