Pakistan, led by Farhan Yousaf, failed to qualify for the semi-finals of the U19 World Cup on Sunday. Coming out to chase the target of 253, the equation was quite simple for Pakistan. The team had to overhaul the 253-run target in 33.3 overs to knock India out and secure qualification. However, Pakistan were unable to do so, and hence India joined Australia, Afghanistan and England in the last four stage. Pakistan bowlers had done a remarkable job of restricting a power-packed Indian lineup to 252 but the batters did not display enough intent to get the job done and hence India sealed a place in the semi-finals.
For India, the equation was pretty straightforward. Ayush Mhatre and team just needed to win the last Super 6s match against Pakistan to become the last side to qualify for the semi-finals. However, a defeat would have made things interesting. For Pakistan, just a win wasn't going to be enough to seal qualification, as they were behind India in the net run rate in Super 6 Group 2.
Also Read: India vs Pakistan U19 World Cup LIVE Score: Check our live coverage here
Before the match between India and Pakistan got underway in Bulawayo, the ICC had given Pakistan a loose qualification scenario, saying it would need to achieve whatever target India set at a pretty fast pace. For example, if Pakistan were asked to chase a target of 251, then they would have to do so in 33.2 overs or faster to progress through to the knockouts.
Had Pakistan batted first and scored 250 hypothetically, they would have needed to win by 89 runs or more to finish second in Group 2 standings and qualify for the semi-finals at India's expense.
India's batters underwhelm
{{/usCountry}}Had Pakistan batted first and scored 250 hypothetically, they would have needed to win by 89 runs or more to finish second in Group 2 standings and qualify for the semi-finals at India's expense.
India's batters underwhelm
{{/usCountry}}India's batters underwhelmed after being asked to bat first by Pakistan. The five-time champions were bowled out for 252 in 49.4 overs, with Vedant Trivedi top scoring with a knock of 68. India got off to a good start, but from 47/0, the side went to 47/3 as Vaibhav Suryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre and Aaron George lost their wickets cheaply.
At one stage, it looked like India wouldn't even get to the 200-run mark, but Kanishk Chouhan (35), RS Ambrish (29) and Khilan Patel (21) chipped in with valuable knocks to eventually take the total past the 250-run mark.
For Pakistan, Abdul Subhan was the pick of the bowlers, returning with figures of 3/33. Mohammad Sayyam also scalped two wickets.