Unbeaten India, SL face off in final
Following their clinical performances throughout the ACC Under-19 Asia Cup, the two unbeaten teams -- India and Sri Lanka -- will lock horns in the tournament final at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket stadium in Miprur today. The day-night match will begin at 12.30 pm.
Sri Lanka started the tournament with a comprehensive six wicket win over hosts Bangladesh and went on to beat Hong Kong and Pakistan in the group stages, which was followed by a 31-run win over defending champions Afghanistan in a semifinal encounter.
Although they previously reached the Asia Cup final three times, Sri Lanka have been unable to clinch the trophy thus far. Therefore, Nipun Dananjaya and his troops will surely look for their maiden Asia Cup title this time around.
However five-time champions India, considered as the strongest title contender of the competition, will also look to cross the final hurdle after their close two-run win over Bangladesh in the other semifinal.
Although India skipper Pavan Shah and Co. were not challenged in any of the group stage games, registering comprehensive wins against Nepal, the United Arab Emirates and Afghanistan before defeating the hosts, they will be on their toes in the final.
“It was a good experience for us [against Bangladesh] to have a close game as we had an easy outings in the previous three games. We are only focusing on our game and we hope to do what we do best,” said India's opening batsman Devdutt Padikkal to the media yesterday.
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