India Books Semifinal Spot in U19 World Cup, Pakistan's Campaign Ends

India has secured a spot in the Under-19 World Cup semi-finals after defeating Pakistan by 58 runs in Bulawayo. Chasing a target of 253, Pakistan was bowled out for 194, with Ayush Mhatre and Khilan Patel taking three wickets each. Vedant Trivedi's 68 and a late surge from Kanishk Chouhan (35) and Khilan Patel (21) helped India post 252. India's win over Pakistan wasn't just a victory, it was a strategic masterstroke. They topped their group, avoiding Australia in the semis, and will now face Afghanistan in Harare. Pakistan's early dominance couldn't match India's depth, and it showed in the end. A tough call for Pakistan, but great for India. With the bat, Pakistan got off to a sprightly start, but the dip in quality of batting was quite steep after No. 4. That's possibly why they didn't go all out for the qualification. India, on the other hand, had plenty of defensive spin options, which proved to be valuable on a pitch that offered them a lot of turn in the afternoon. The collapse after that was spectacular - 8 for 43 - with the ball turning square and India using their part-time spinners against a left-hand dominated batting order. While Chouhan, who started early, ended with figures of 10-1-30-1, captain Ayush Mhatre picked up three wickets to go with one for Malhotra. Khilan, whose hitting pushed India past 250 earlier, took three bonus wickets. However, during the 63-run third-wicket stand between Usman Khan and Yousaf, Pakistan looked like they were the favourites for a regulation win. Yousaf picked a slower ball from Ambrish, tried to hit his third six, but couldn't clear long-on. That is when India started to tighten the noose, and choked Pakistan out of the game. Pakistan's bowlers had India struggling at 47/3 and 200/7, but Vedant Trivedi's 68 and a lower-order resurgence changed the game. Kanishk Chouhan (35), RS Ambrish (29), and Khilan Patel (21) all chipped in, and Pakistan's slow fielding didn't help. The last four overs yielded 39 runs, sealing India's win. India Under-19 252 (Trivedi 68, Chouhan 35, Subhan 3-33) beat Pakistan Under-19 194 (Usman 66, Zahoor 42, Mhatre 3-21, Khilan 3-35) by 58 runs