Led by Ayush Mhatre, the Indian side will now aim to achieve a record on the world stage. (Image credit: ICC) NEW DELHI: Five-time champions India will head into Sunday’s Super Six clash against arch-rivals Pakistan with a rematch on the agenda for the Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe. There is more than just pride at stake as the clash is set to decide the fourth and final semi-final berth as the ICC has drawn up detailed qualification scenarios for both teams.The match takes on extra significance after India’s heavy 191-run defeat by Pakistan in the U-19 Asia Cup final in Dubai last December – a setback that came after India had earlier beaten their opponents by 90 runs in the group stage of the same tournament. Led by Ayush Mhatre, the Indian side will now aim to achieve a record on the world stage.
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India are also expected to stick to their ‘no shaking hands’ policy against Pakistan, a stance they adopted during the group match as well as the final of the Asia Cup. The decision comes in the backdrop of the Pahalgam terror attack and Operation Sindoor by the country’s armed forces.As for the tournament picture, Australia, Afghanistan and England have already secured their place in the semi-finals. The final ranking will be decided solely by the result of the India-Pakistan competition. England currently lead Group 2 with eight points and a net rate of +1.757, followed by India on six points with a strong NRR of +3.337. Pakistan is third with four points and NRR +1.484.
INDIA vs PAKISTAN: Scenarios
ScenarioWhat happensResultIndia defeated PakistanIndia to win Super Six matchIndia qualifies for semi-finals as Group 2 winnersIndia is losing marginallyPakistan win but not by a big enough margin India still qualify due to excellent net ratePakistan bat first, score 250Pakistan must beat India 89 runs or morePakistan qualified for the semi-finals, India were eliminatedPakistan chase 251Pakistan must achieve the target 33.2 or lessPakistan qualify for the semi-finalsPakistan are chasing a lower targetPakistan must chase at an even faster pacePakistan will only qualify if NRR overtakes IndiaPakistan to win but fail NRR marginWin not big/quick enoughIndia qualifies for semi-finalsThe way forward for India is clear: a win will confirm their semi-final qualification and also finish top of the group, setting up a last-four encounter with Afghanistan. Even after the defeat, India remains in a favorable position as a narrow loss would still keep them ahead of Pakistan thanks to their better net rate.Pakistan, on the other hand, faces a much steeper climb. According to ICC calculations, if Pakistan bat first and post a total of 250, they will need to beat India by at least 89 runs to move into second place and qualify at India’s expense.If Pakistan chase, speed becomes the challenge. For example, a target of 251 would need to be reworked at 33.2 or less to stay alive in the tournament, with anything lower requiring an even faster chase.With both sides aware of the exact equations, Sunday promises to be a thrilling battle and the full picture will emerge at the innings break. With a semi-final spot hanging in the balance, expect a thrilling contest at the Queen’s Sports Club in Bulawayo.
