India and Pakistan clashes are never short of drama and the intensity reaches another level when teenagers are involved. The ICC Under-19 World Cup semi-final on Tuesday will see a clash between the traditional subcontinent rivals and the eyes of fans in the two countries and across the globe will be on the game.
While victory will mean an entry into the final, brilliant individual performances will get noticed by senior management. With that in mind, here are the three key match-ups at the India-Pakistan semi-final.
PRITHVI SHAW v HASAN KHAN
The captains have a lot of responsibility on their shoulders. They have to keep their players focused, deliver themselves and also ensure players don’t cross the line in the heat of the moment.
While Shaw has been wonderful at the top, hitting 191 runs from three innings, Hasan has chipped in with seven wickets from four games and reached double digits with the bat in every innings. How they handle the pressure of an India-Pakistan game will prove their leadership skills.
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SHUBMAN GILL v ALI ZARYAB
India top order batsman is on a high. He has accumulated 239 runs from just three games and now also has an IPL contract worth $280,000. The lanky batsman uses his reach to good effect and can easily clear the infield.
Zaryab was hailed as ‘The Wall’ of the Pakistan team by captain Hasan after the middle-order batsman hit an unbeaten 74 against South Africa in the quarter-final. Has 163 runs from three outings so far.
Shubman Gill was Player of the Match in India's quarter-final win against Bangladesh - watch the highlights of his 86 runs! #INDvBAN #U19CWC pic.twitter.com/Q6LsDddEZa
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) January 26, 2018
Ali Zaryab propels Pakistan into the #U19CWC Super League semi-finals! His calm 74 underpins a steady chase of 190, South Africa defeated by 3 wickets with 13 balls remaining in Christchurch!#PAKvSA scorecard ➡️ https://t.co/tnqGrv3lmm pic.twitter.com/NqE20lq6vo
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) January 24, 2018
KAMLESH NAGARKOTI v SHAHEEN AFRIDI
The biggest showdown of them all. Two of the quickest bowlers in the tournament and the most exciting prospects in the world.
India pacer Kamlesh Nagarkoti has created a buzz in the cricketing world by clocking speeds over 145kph on a regular basis at the U19 World Cup. His breathtaking pace and spot-on yorkers have earned him seven wickets from four matches. He will surely crank it up for the big game.
While Nagarkoti was a bit of an unknown name before the World Cup, Afridi had already made a name for himself by capturing nine wickets in his first-class debut and drawing comparisons with fellow left-arm quick Mitchell Starc. The 6’5” left-arm quick will give it his all to make an impression against India.
This fantastic delivery from Kamlesh Nagarkoti that ripped out off-stump and sealed India's place in the #U19CWC semis was voted yesterday's @Nissan Play of the Day!
— ICC (@ICC) January 27, 2018
Watch and vote each day at https://t.co/omsDy1R5hV! pic.twitter.com/f99Y60X9yG
The best bowling figures by a Pakistan bowler at U19 level - watch Shaheen Afridi strike six times against Ireland, conceding just 15 runs! 🙌 #PAKvIRE #U19CWC pic.twitter.com/ze1fQ46QQu
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) January 16, 2018