Yash Dhull & Co all set to take on mighty Australia in today’s U-19 World Cup semi-final at Antigua
India players are ecstatic after dismissing a Bangladesh batsman during the quarter-final at Coolidge Cricket Ground, Antigua, on Saturday. Pic/BCCI
Australian cricketers are known for their aggressive attitude. However, India U-19 captain Yash Dhull cautioned them to be ready for India’s attacking game plan ahead of their U-19 World Cup semi-final at Coolidge Cricket Ground in Antigua today.
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The four-time champions beat title holders Bangladesh by five wickets in the quarter-final at the same ground on Saturday. Australia, who have won the tournament on three occasions, outclassed Pakistan by 119 runs in the other quarter-final at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua last Friday.
“We will go in with an attacking game plan and bowl according to the behaviour of the wicket and how they [Australian batsmen] will bat,” Dhull said during a pre-match virtual press conference on Tuesday.
India skipper Yash Dhull
India thrashed Aussies by nine wickets and chased 268 with 15 balls to spare in a warm-up game on January 11 in Guyana.
When mid-day asked who will be the captain’s go-to man at crucial junctures of the game, Dhull said: “When we are struggling to take a wicket, I will throw the ball to [pacer] Rajvadhan Hangargekar for a couple of overs. The way he hits the wicket, the batsman loses his patience and it serves our purpose. Then I’ll go to [left-arm spinners] Vickey Ostwal and Nishant [Sindhu], who bowls a consistent line.”
Ostwal and Hangargekar have claimed nine and five wickets respectively, while Sindhu has four wickets under his belt in the tournament.
“The spinners’ role is important, because they create pressure. Ostwal is quite effective, because he can extract good turn and bounce and bowls with a tight length, so he will be more effective tomorrow [Wednesday],” added Dhull.
Delhi-based Dhull was in quarantine for more than a week after his Rapid Antigen Test returned COVID-19 positive. He has scored 102 in two games of the tournament and is not worried about the Australian bowling attack.
“Their bowling attack is normal. We have been playing cricket for so long to perform well at this stage. If we lose one-two wickets early, then we aim to build partnerships by improving our focus level. So, it can help us to score big in the death overs,” remarked Dhull.
Though Dhull’s name is part of the IPL auction along with other teammates, he insisted that the auction is not a distraction and his focus is entirely on the World Cup.
“Yes, there is an IPL auction, but I am focusing on the present situation…our matches. If I keep my focus on the match, I will perform well and then the future will be good,” Dhull signed off.
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