U-19 World Cup 2024: India appears to be like for profitable begin in opener in opposition to Bangladesh

The most profitable workforce within the Under-19 World Cup historical past, defending champions India will embark on a quest so as to add one other trophy to their assortment when a contemporary bunch led by Uday Saharan takes on Bangladesh of their tournament-opener right here on Saturday.

Placed in Group A, the five-time winners will start their marketing campaign in opposition to the Asian rivals right here on the Manguang Oval earlier than they head into the opposite group fixtures in opposition to Ireland and the USA.

Having received their first trophy in 2002 beneath Mohammad Kaif, Indian groups have have since gone on to win the U-19 World Cup in 2008, 2012, 2018 and 2022.

The occasion, which was moved from Sri Lanka to South Africa in a late adjustment by the ICC, options 4 teams of as many groups every.

The prime three groups in every group will qualify for the Super Sixes, adopted by the semifinals on February 6 and eight with the ultimate to be performed at Benoni on February 11.

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With prodigious expertise in Maharashtra all-rounder Arshin Kulkarni, wicketkeeper-batter Aravelly Avanish, left-arm spinner and vice-captain Saumy Kumar Pandey and Saharan, India will really feel they’ve enough arsenal to go the gap.

Among these gamers, Kulkarni (Lucknow Super Giants) and Avinash (Chennai Super Kings) have already landed IPL offers and shall be eager to make their mark on the most important stage earlier than they graduate to top-flight cricket.

Saharan, who hails from Rajasthan however has led Punjab throughout age teams, has scored in extra of fifty in his final three innings which additionally features a century in opposition to South Africa.

Last November, the right-handed batter who shifted base from Rajasthan to Punjab, cracked 297 runs in simply 4 matches of the U-19 Challenger Trophy at 99 with 4 fifties.

Not far behind him was Mumbai’s Musheer Khan, one other promising expertise on this Indian aspect who raked up 268 runs at 89.33 with one century and two fifties within the home event.

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Among bowlers, every of Aaradhya Shukla, Pandey and Kulkarni have been among the many prime wicket-takers within the U-19 Challenger Trophy earlier than the Indian workforce made its solution to South Africa.

The workforce’s type additionally favours India with this bunch profitable every of their 4 matches within the U-19 tri-nation sequence in South Africa. The remaining in opposition to the hosts was washed out.

But India may also guard in opposition to complacency in opposition to Bangladesh having misplaced the U-19 Asia Cup semifinal in a largely one-sided contest in December. The workforce defeated Australia in its remaining warm-up recreation.