ICC U-19 World Cup 2018: India eye semis berth against Bangladesh

India U19 will bank on their batting strength against Bangladesh

Queenstown, January 25: After convincing wins in all their three group matches, the India Under 19 team will lock horns with Bangladesh in the quarterfinal of the ICC U19 World Cup here on Friday (January 26).

A victory on the morrow will take India into the semifinals and to a clash with Pakistan on January 30.

India will be banking on their batting prowess led by skipper Prithvi Shaw, who has 151 runs from three matches at an impressive strike-rate of 108.63, along side the likes of Shubman Gill, who has scores of 63 and 90 against Australia and Zimbabwe respectively.

While the form of the top order has been quite impressive, India's middle order hasn't been tested ahead of the knockouts, and early breakthroughs could put their batting to the sword.

In the pace department, Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi have already earned plaudits for clocking 90 mph at regular intervals. Against Australia, Nagarkoti claimed four wickets but has struggled with his line and length since.

The spin department will be led by left-armer Anukul Roy, who has troubled the opposition with his guile and turn. Roy bagged his maiden five-for and followed it up with another four-wicket haul against Zimbabwe.

Bangladesh, on the other hand, started well in the tournament beating minnows Namibia by 87 runs in their first encounter and Canada by 66 runs in their second tie.

But the side failed to register their third victory over England and lost their final group match by 7 wickets. Coming straight from the loss to face against India, Bangladesh are likely to feel the pressure.

India will be wary of the batting prowess of Towhid Hridoy, whose 122 sank Canada along while Afif Hossain all-round abilities can be enough for the Bangladeshis to create an upset.