U19 World Cup 2020: Final, India Under-19s vs Bangladesh Under-19s, Preview - Junior Tigers challenge the in-form Indian colts for their maiden title

It took a special effort from one of their batsmen for India U19 and Bangladesh U19 to make it to the final. While it was Yashasvi Jaiswal for the boys in blue against Pakistan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy notched up a ton to knock New Zealand out of the tournament. This is the maiden appearance for Bangladesh in the final of an ICC event at any level and they will be hoping to put their best foot forward against a strong Indian side.

The junior Tigers are unbeaten in the competition thus far in five matches with four victories and their group game against Pakistan was washed out due to rain. Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Tanzid Hasan, Parvez Hossain and Towhid Hridoy are the heart of their batting line-up. The onus once again will be on the quartet to do the run-scoring. While the spinner Rakibul Hasan has been in great form, the left-arm pacer Shoriful Islam should make the new ball talk to put pressure on India’s batsmen.

As far as India is concerned, they have qualified for their seventh final in the U19 World Cup having won the title four times before. They are the defending champions and no wonder are the favourites to retain the trophy again. But they will know, Bangladesh have the ammunition in their armoury to stun any team. Yashasvi Jaiswal will be the key once again and the skipper Priyam Garg will hope to step up in the need of the hour.

India’s strength has been their bowling attack having bundled out the oppositions in each of their last 11 matches in the U19 CWC. They are also on an 11-match winning streak, the longest in the history of the tournament, as well. It is only about repeating the good things they’ve been doing throughout the competition.

Team Combinations

India Under-19s

India are unlikely to change their winning combination for the final. Jaiswal and Divyansh Saxena have been brilliant with the bat at the top of the order. Tilak Varma and Garg both haven’t scored in the limited opportunities but they will also be gearing up to score big if the openers get out early. Dhruv Jurel and Siddhesh Veer should be looking to adapt to different situations.

Atharva Ankolekar impressed with his batting against Australia in the quarter-final. However, he will be expected to do the job with the ball in the crucial final. Ravi Bishnoi has been sensational, to say the least, while the trio of fast bowlers in Sushant Mishra, Kartik Tyagi and Akash Singh have been doing the job for the team as well.

Probable XI: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Divyansh Saxena, Tilak Varma, Priyam Garg (C), Dhruv Jurel (WK), Siddhesh Veer, Atharva Ankolekar, Ravi Bishnoi, Sushant Mishra, Kartik Tyagi, Akash Singh.

Bangladesh Under-19s

Bangladesh U19 have banked on their top four in this World Cup. Shahadat Hossain has fared decently while Akbar Ali, who is also the talented batsman, has got less chances to show his skills. However, the final could be the perfect time for the batting group to click as a team. Bangladesh could be tempted to play a spinner less given India’s tendency to play them well.

However, it is always good to stick to the winning combination for the big game. The new ball bowlers Tanzim Hasan and Shoriful Islam should strike early to put India under the pump after which Shamim, Hasan Murad and Rakibul will look to tighten the noose.

Probable XI: Parvez Hossain Emon, Tanzid Hasan, Mahmudul Hasan Joy, Towhid Hridoy, Shahadat Hossain, Akbar Ali (C & WK), Shamim Hossain, Rakibul Hasan, Shoriful Islam, Tanzim Hasan Sakib, Hasan Murad.

Focus will be on

Yashasvi Jaiswal (India U19)

It goes without saying that the world will have its eyes on this young lad. The amazing composure he showed in the chase against Australia was praiseworthy. Yashasvi Jaiswal has scored 312 runs in five outings in this tournament and has been dismissed only twice. He has also picked a couple of wickets while also being economical with the ball. A lot of will depend on how he goes about his business in the final.

Towhid Hridoy (Bangladesh U19)

Yes, Mahmudul Hasan scored a ton in the previous game. But Towhid Hridoy will be key for Bangladesh in the middle-order. He hasn’t been at his best in the four innings thus far but Sunday could be the day when he steps up for his team and do wonders.

Stat Attack

5-0 – India Under-19s have never lost to Bangladesh Under-19 in the tournament finals in five matches.

1298 – Yashasvi Jaiswal has amassed 1298 runs in Youth ODIs so far and is the third-highest run-getter for his country in this format.

Broadcast Details

TV – Star Sports 3

Live Streaming – Hotstar

Match Timings – 1:30 PM IST; 10 AM local