The stage is set for a high-voltage encounter as India U-19 take on Pakistan U-19 in the third match of the ACC Men’s U19 Asia Cup 2024 on November 30, 2024. The match will begin at 10:30 AM IST at the iconic Dubai International Cricket Stadium. Both teams, part of Group A alongside UAE and Japan, will look to start their campaign with a strong statement.
This face-off will rekindle the traditional rivalry between the two cricketing powerhouses. Last year, both teams faltered in their respective semi-finals and failed to claim the title. This match marks a fresh start as they aim to stake their claim for continental supremacy.
Teams Preview
India U-19 Preview
India U-19 comes into the tournament on the back of a dominant streak, having won four of their last five Youth ODIs. Their only loss came against Australia in the ICC U-19 World Cup final. Most recently, they demolished Australia U-19 with a 3-0 series sweep, showcasing their formidable depth and talent.
Despite falling short in the semi-finals of the ACC U19 Asia Cup 2023, the Indian team has made strategic improvements. Vaibhav Suryavanshi, IPL’s youngest pick at just 13 years, is expected to draw significant attention. Captain Mohamed Amaan leads from the front with his recent tally of 129 runs in three matches against Australia. Mohamed Enaan, the leading wicket-taker in the same series with 15 scalps, will be crucial in breaking partnerships.
Key Players:
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi: A prodigy tasked with big expectations.
- Mohamed Amaan: A reliable and in-form leader.
- Mohamed Enaan: A strike bowler in excellent rhythm.
Predicted XI:
Ayush Mhatre, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, C Andre Siddarth, Mohamed Amaan (c), Pranav Pant, Harvansh Singh Pangalia, Anurag Kawde (wk), Mohamed Enaan, KP Karthikeya, Samarth Nagaraj, Yudhajit Guha.
Pakistan U-19 Preview
Pakistan U-19 have been in Dubai for weeks, fine-tuning their preparation during a tri-series with Afghanistan and UAE. They’ll look to build on the momentum from their recent strong performances, having lost only once in their last five Youth ODIs.
The Saad Baig-led squad boasts a mix of youth and experience, with four players returning from last year’s tournament. Baig himself, a prolific batter, was the second-highest scorer for Pakistan in the 2023 edition. Azan Awais, with a stellar 222 runs in the previous ACC U19 Asia Cup, will be another critical player.
Pakistan’s confidence will be buoyed by their convincing win over India in the 2023 edition, where Awais’s century and Baig’s fiery knock led the team to an eight-wicket victory. However, a shocking semi-final exit to UAE serves as a reminder of the unpredictability in youth cricket.
Key Players:
- Saad Baig: A captain who leads with the bat.
- Azan Awais: A destructive batter who can change games single-handedly.
- Faham-ul-Haq: Emerging as a dependable bowler.
Predicted XI:
Saad Baig (c/wk), Mohammad Ahmed, Haroon Arshad, Tayyab Arif, Mohammad Huzefa, Naveed Ahmed Khan, Hassan Khan, Shahzaib Khan, Usman Khan, Faham-ul-Haq, Ali Raza.
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report – Dubai International Cricket Stadium
The pitch in Dubai offers a balanced contest between bat and ball. Batters can score freely once they adjust to the surface, but spinners and slower bowlers tend to dominate the second innings as the pitch wears down.
- Average first-innings score: 230 runs.
- Teams setting targets should aim for 250+ to stay competitive.
- Spinners are expected to thrive in the second innings.
Weather Forecast
Dubai’s weather will be sunny and warm, with temperatures ranging between 25°C and 30°C. There is no rain expected, ensuring an uninterrupted match.
Toss Prediction
The team winning the toss is likely to bowl first, given the successful chasing trend at this venue.
Winning Prediction
This contest promises to be closely fought. While Pakistan U-19 has enjoyed recent success over India in the ACC U19 Asia Cup, India holds a superior overall head-to-head record (15-10) and enters the match in excellent form.
With a history of stepping up in high-pressure games, India U-19 is slightly favored to edge this encounter and start their campaign with a win.
Prediction: India U-19 to win.
CricketPandith Match Prediction Package
Per Match Charges: 1000 Rs/Match
Monthly Package: 10000 Rs/Month (Unlimited Match)
All International/League Match Prediction Available
Download Our Cricket Pandith Android App