India thrash Pakistan by 203 runs, to take on Australia in U19 final

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Christchurch, January 30: India stormed into the final of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup after thrashing Pakistan by 203 runs in the semifinals at Christchurch on Tuesday (January 30).

Scoreboard

In the final on Saturday (February 3), the Indian colts, who are coached by legend Rahul Dravid will take on Australia, who had defeated Afghanistan by six wickets in the other last-four encounter on Monday (January 29).

This is for the sixth time that India are entering the final of the U-19 World Cup, a new record, while Aussies are making it to the title clash for the fifth time.

Both the sides have won the ICC biennial competion three times. India triumphed in 2000, 2008 and 2012 while Australia accomplished the feat in 1998, 2002 and 2010.

India had defeated hosts Australia by six wickets in the final of the 2012 edition as well as in the group stages of this year's event.

The 2012 win was India's last at the ICC's biennial event, while the Kangaroos last triumphed in the 2010 edition held in New Zealand where they beat Pakistan by 25 runs in the final.

Taking first use of the wicket at Hagley Oval, India made 272 for nine in the allotted 50 overs, thanks to a brilliant unbeaten 102 by Shubman Gill.

Man of the match Gill's knock came off 94 balls and had seven hits to the ropes.

Gill, who was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 1.8 crore in the Indian Premier League players' auction, had also hit a match-winning 86 in the quarterfinals against Bangladesh. He is the team's leading scorer with 341 runs.

In reply, Pakistan were skittled out for a paltry 69 in 29.3 overs.

Right arm quick Ishan Porel was the pick of Indian bowlers with figures of four for 17 from six overs while spinners Shiva Singh and Riyan Parag took two wickets apiece to hasten Pakistan collapse. The defeat was Pakistan's heaviest in terms of runs in an Under-19 World Cup match.