'A big learning curve today' - Shahid Afridi lauds India U19 for their comprehensive win against Pakistan U19

Team India performed a ten-wicket demolition job of their arch-rivals Pakistan U19 in the semi-final of the 2020 ICC U19 World Cup in Potchefstroom. The defending champions maintained their unbeaten stream and marched into their third consecutive final of the marquee quadrennial event where they’ll face the winner of the second semi-final between Bangladesh U19s and New Zealand U19s.

It was an incredible performance; one which was worthy of their tag of defending champions. The planning, as well as the execution, was top-notch from both the bowlers and the batsmen and Pakistan literally had no clue as to what hit him as Team India breezed past their total of 172 without even breaking a sweat.

And, naturally, post their commanding win, wishes galore for the young Indian colts from around the world. Former  Pakistan captain and mercurial all-rounder Shahid Afridi congratulated the Boys in Blue for their clinical win. Afridi went on to praise the Indian cricket system which continues to produce top-notch cricketers at all levels.

The former all-rounder also reckoned that the Pakistani Colts should not lose their heart because of the chastening defeat while also mentioning Mohammad Huraira, Rohail Nazir and fast bowlers as great potential for the future.

“Congrats to (India) U19 on a clinical performance today. The Crkt system in (India) is producing top-class cricketers at all levels. (Pakistan) youngsters shouldn’t lose, a big learning curve today. Players like Haider, Hurraira, Rohail, Haris, Qasim, and the fast bowlers have a lot of potentials.”

Congrats to 🇮🇳 U19 on a clinical performance today. The Crkt system in🇮🇳 is producing top-class cricketers at all levels.🇵🇰youngsters shouldn't lose ❤️, a big learning curve today.Players like Haider, Hurraira, Rohail, Haris, Qasim and the fast bowlers have a lot of potential.

— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) February 4, 2020

India U19 dominated the game throughout

Batting first, Pakistan’s top-order was tested by Sushant Mishra and Kartik Tyagi. Haider Ali and skipper Rohail Nazir steadied the ship with a 50+ partnership but just as the duo was threatening to take the game away from India, Yashasvi Jaiswal nipped out Ali against the run-of-play.

Mohammad Haris looked brilliant during his 15-ball 21 before he was brilliantly caught by Divyansh Saxena, who took a great diving catch at deep square-leg.

Post Haris run-out, Pakistan lost their last 6 wickets for 26 runs to get bowled out for 172, a target which was overhauled by Yashasvi Jaiswal [105*] and Divyansh Saxena [59*] in a mere 35.2 overs.

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