U-19 World Cup: India face New Zealand for place in final (Preview)

Townsville (Australia), Aug 22 (IANS) As the Indian senior team takes on New Zealand in the first of the two-match Test series starting in Hyderabad, the colts from either side will be locking horns to book a place in the Under-19 Cricket World Cup final here Thursday.

Both the semi-finalists booked their berths after registering thrilling victories in their respective quarter-finals Monday.

While, India held on to clinch an enthralling one-wicket win against arch-rivals Pakistan here at the Tony Ireland Stadium, New Zealand snatched a win from the jaws of defeat over an in-form West Indies at the Endeavour Park.

The venue for the semis, Tony Ireland Stadium, should be advantageous for the sub-continental team as they have played three matches so far at the ground. The Black Caps, however, will be making their debut at the venue.

But to be fair, the Indian batsmen have failed to impress on the ground. They have regularly lost wickets in all the matches they have played here. Against the West Indies, India lost scoring just 166/8. Against Zimbabwe they made 261, but were in danger of scoring much less after a good start.

And in the last match against Pakistan, the two-time champions almost gave away the match chasing a meagre score of 136, winning with just one wicket in hand.

If India win, they will reach their fourth final equalling Pakistan as the most number of times a team has made the title clash.

New Zealand reached their only final in the 1998 edition when they lost to England.

Defending champions Australia are already in the final, having beaten South Africa in the first semi-final Tuesday.