India, Australia face off in blockbuster semifinal
Coolidge (Antigua), Feb. 1: Heavyweights India and Australia will face off in a blockbuster Super League semifinal of the Under-19 World Cup here on Wednesday, having beaten their opponents on the field and Covid-19 off it, on way to the last four stage.
India’s preparations for the age-group showpiece were impacted heavily by the virus, with hardly any national camps or tournaments in the last two years except the recent Asia Cup.
The four-time champions started the tournament on the right note, overcoming a good South Africa side by 45 runs, but soon ran into a situation
where they were struggling to field a playing XI after multiple players were found to have contracted Covid-19 hours before their match against Ireland.
Five members of the squad were unavailable for their second group clash, against Ireland on January 19 after a Covid outbreak.
India were without many players for their match with Uganda and had to call in six reserves to play with the noninfected members of their squad.
But a spirited India got the better of all the challenges thrown at them and soundly defeated Ireland and Uganda before prevailing over Bangladesh by five wickets in a tricky chase in their quarterfinal match on a surface that was not conducive for playing strokes.
India are now back to full strength and in another good news, Nishant Sindhu has recovered from Covid-19 and will be available for selection for the allimportant semifinal.