India vs Australia U-19 ICC World Cup Final Match, 2018: Shubham Gill, Anukul Roy and Jack Edwards Amongst Key Players to Watch Out For in WC Final
Come Saturday, India will have another face-off against the Aussies. A look at the key players who will be the difference between the two sides on Saturday.
Another summit clash between India and Australia is on the cards at the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup. The teams will battle it out at Bay Oval Stadium in Tauranga (New Zealand) to lay their hands on the coveted ICC World Cup Trophy for a record fourth time. Both India and Australia have reached the Finals of U-19 World Cup after a series of brilliant performances in their respective campaigns.
The last time, when both India and Australia locked horns in the group stage, India had an upper-hand. The Australian side, who were expecting a trial by spin were stunned by the quality and pace of the Indian bowling attack. There was little fight shown by the Aussies in the match as they were completely outclassed by the Indian Colts. The battle lines are drawn, the teams are ready and only the bugle is to be blown.
Both India and Australia will be chasing glory this weekend, and a lot of key players will have to pull up their socks for the much-awaited finale. We, at Latestly, bring to you a list of few key players who will be crucial for both India and Australia in their final battle at Bay Oval.
1. Shubham Gill
Shubham Gill has been India’s mainstay in this World Cup tournament. The top-order batsman will have to set his A-game rolling in the final of the tournament in order to see his side home. India will be banking heavily on Gill’s form, which has made him win the 'Man of the Match' award thrice in the tournament. With a Century and three half-centuries in his kitty already, Gill would be looking to hit another big-knock in the finale.
2. Anukul Roy
The dashing all-rounder ran through Papua New Guinea and Zimbabwean side with his impeccable spin bowling. Just like his hero, Ravindra Jadeja lit-up the World Cup years ago, Anukul Roy is a live-wire on the field and is also a hard hitter of the ball. Roy, India’s leading wicket-taker this World Cup, would be looking forward to spin a web around the Australian side, come Saturday.
3. Kamlesh Nagarkoti & Shivam Mavi
The fast-bowling duo will have to be at their menacing best in order to sting the Australian side again. Both Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mavi have been exceptional with their bowling this tournament. In their first match, where everyone (including) Australia were expecting to be tested by spin, were surprised by the speed and accuracy of this bowling duo. If India wants to register a win in the World Cup final, both the bowlers will have to deliver to their potential, perhaps, for the last time!
4. Jack Edwards
Jack Edwards was the only Aussie to show resistance when the two sides first met in their group match. The dynamic opener is also a productive medium-pace bowler. To recall, Edwards hit a half-century in his opening game against India and was the highest scorer for his side. Australia would be wanting the all-rounder to repeat his performance in the Finals and keep the threat of bowlers Nagarkoti and Mavi at bay.
5. Lloyd Pope
Lloyd Pope's, Aussie leg-spin bowler, spell against England is one the main reason why the Australian side is still in the tournament. England had already set one-foot in the next round when Pope came to bowl. His googlies baffled the Englishmen and Pope had pouched 8 wickets for 35 runs at the end of his spell. It also happens to be the best figures in an ICC U19 Cricket World Cup. The Australians would be relying on Pope to stem the flow of runs and India's untested middle order. Much of Australia’s chances depend on how Pope performs on the final day.
The two sides will be meeting in a U-19 World Cup Final after a period of four years. The last time both the sides went head-to-head in a final (in World Cup 2012), Unmukt Chand-led Indian side had emerged victorious.
Come Saturday, India will have another face-off against the Australian side. After defeating the Australian side early in the tournament, the Indian side is all geared up to replicate their previous performance. Whereas, Australia will be pushing themselves to beat the unbeaten Indian side, to win their fourth ICC World Cup Trophy. Stay tuned for all the updates on Under-19 ICC World Cup 2018.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Feb 02, 2018 05:34 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).