U19 World Cup 2024, India vs Nepal: Preview, Key Players, When & Where To Watch

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An upbeat Indian Under-19 team will be determined to secure a memorable entry into the semifinals as they take on a struggling Nepal on Friday (February 2) in their final Group 1 Super Six match of the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Bloemfontein.

Progression to the semifinals of this prestigious event will be determined by the top two teams from the two Super Six groups. While Pakistan trail closely with six points, India hold the top position with a superior net run rate (+3.32).

Under the leadership of Uday Saharan, the five-time champions and one of the favourites have yet to face defeat, and Nepal - who are coming on the back of a defeat against Bangladesh in their previous game - are unlikely to pose a significant challenge to this formidable side. India's dominance is evident not only in their record but also in their individual performances.

Musheer Khan, the younger brother of Mumbai's prolific batsman Sarfaraz, leads the batting charts with 325 runs at an average of over 81, including two centuries. Saumy Kumar Pandey's four-wicket haul against New Zealand further showcased India's strength in bowling.

Pandey, the left-arm spinner, with 12 wickets to his credit, stands shoulder-to-shoulder with Pakistan's Ubaid Shah and South Africa's Kwena Maphaka at the pinnacle of the bowling rankings.

However, beyond these standout performers, India Colts possess depth in its squad, with players like captain Saharan, wicketkeeper-batsman Aravalli Avanish, and all-rounder Arshin Kulkarni making significant contributions.

As Team India aims to conclude their Super Six campaign on a high note and proceed to the semifinals with confidence, they will not underestimate Nepal - who possess some good players in their ranks.

Despite their lack of victories in the tournament so far, Nepal demonstrated their ability to upset strong opponents with a thrilling win over Afghanistan earlier. Skipper Dev Khanal and medium pacer Aakash Chand were instrumental in that victory and will be key players for Nepal in this crucial encounter.

Subhash Bhandari was the best performer for Nepal in the match against Bangladesh as the off-spinner returned with a brilliant fifer. However, his valiant effort wasn't enough to help his team win the match but he would be eager to produce a good performance against a dominant Indian side. Meanwhile, India will seek to avoid any slip-ups against Nepal and secure their path to the semifinals safely.

Teams IND vs NEP U19 WC

India U19: Uday Saharan (c), Arshin Kulkarni, Adarsh Singh, Rudra Mayur Patel, Sachin Dhas, Priyanshu Moliya, Musheer Khan, Aravelly Avanish Rao, Saumy Kumar Pandey, Murugan Abhishek, Innesh Mahajan, Dhanush Gowda, Aaradhya Shukla, Raj Limbani and Naman Tiwari.

Nepal U19: Dev Khanal (c), Arjun Kumal, Aakash Tripathi, Dipak Prasad Dumre, Durgesh Gupta, Gulshan Kumar Jha, Dipesh Prasad Kandel, Bishal Bikram KC, Subhash Bhandari, Deepak Bohara, Dipak Bohara, Uttam Rangu Thapa Macar, Bipin Rawal, Tilak Raj Bhandari, Akash Chand.