CHRISTCHURCH, Jan 30: India and Pakistan resume their rivalry on the cricket field after an 18-month gap Thursday when they meet in the Super League of the ICC Under-19 World Cup here.
The Indian government has refused to allow their national team to play Pakistan at the senior level due to the crisis in disputed Kashmir, but have given permission for tomorrow’s game to take place.
Matches between the two teams evoke passionate support in both countries, and this clash has the added edge that Pakistan must win to remain in the competition.
It’s also the first time the two teams have met since June 2000, when they played a One-day International in the Asia Cup.
“It’s going to be a good battle and we have a long rivalry,” said Pakistan coach Haroon Rasheed. “There is always a special feeling playing against India and both teams will do their best to excel against the other.
“In Pakistan we are very keen to play against India. We have not been playing against them at the senior level which is very sad and isn’t good for the game. We must play each other on a regular basis as the subcontinent is a huge market for cricket.”
Pakistan’s faltering form saw them suffer a disappointing six-wicket defeat against the West Indies Tuesday which has left them with four points. The top two teams from each group qualify for next week’s semifinals, and with India already assured of a spot after beating Sri Lanka and the West Indies, Pakistan will have to be at their best to win.
Defending champions India are looking likely candidates to make the final and coach Dilip Vengsarkar will tell his young players to treat the Pakistan match as if it is any other game.
“We are looking forward to the game but we will play it as if it was just another match in the tournament,” he said. “I have not seen much of the Pakistan team but we will get as much information on them as possible.”
AUSSIES IN LAST FOUR: Australia eased their way into the semifinals after beating England by 116 runs in a Super League group two match Wednesday.
In another group two match, South Africa scored a 24-run victory over New Zealand.
Australia scored 281 for five in their 50 overs largely thanks to an unbeaten sixth wicket stand of 92 in just 7.2 overs between George Bailey (69 not out) and Adam Crosthwaite (48 not out).
England were all out for 165 in reply.
South Africa scored a respectable 241 for seven before the Kiwis were bowled out for 217 following a middle-order collapse.
In the plate championship three semifinalists have been settled.
Zimbabwe, Bangladesh and Nepal will be joined by either Scotland or Namibia.
Wednesday’s results:
Super League group two:
Australia beat England by 116 runs. Australia 281-5 in 50 overs (George Bailey 69 not out, Craig Simmons 67); England 165 in 45.2 overs (Nicky Peng 57; Beau Casson 4-33, Jarrad Burke 3-13).
South Africa beat New Zealand by 24 runs. South Africa 241-7 in 50 overs (Ryan Bailey 69, David Jacobs 63; Leighton Burtt 4-52, Peter Borren 3-34); New Zealand 217 in 48.1 overs (John Sheed 61, Robert Nicol 51).
Plate championship group two:
Scotland beat Canada by seven wickets. Canada 157 in 48 overs (Jason Sandher 49; Harmanjit Singh 3-20); Scotland 161-3 in 37 overs.
Nepal beat Namibia by 10 runs. Nepal 137 in 50 overs (Bardan Chalise 69; Binod Das 3-21); Namibia 127 in 48.4 overs.—AFP/Reuters