IND U19 vs SA U19: India Under-19 will lock horns with South Africa Under-19 in the upcoming youth international on January 3 at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, as both sides look to make a strong start to the series.
While the visitors arrive with confidence despite a recent setback, the hosts will be eager to turn their fortunes around after a difficult run of results.
India U-19 come into the contest on the back of a competitive showing in the ACC Men's U-19 Asia Cup, where they finished runners-up after losing the final to Pakistan. Despite that defeat, the overall form of the Indian side has been encouraging, marked by disciplined performances and individual brilliance.
Under the leadership of emerging star Vaibhav Suryavanshi, India possess the firepower and balance to put any opposition under pressure. When Suryavanshi finds rhythm at the top, India tend to dominate proceedings, making early breakthroughs against them crucial.
The supporting cast has also stepped up consistently in recent months. Kanishk Chouhan, in particular, has impressed with his reliability and control, especially with the ball. His ability to pick up key wickets at crucial moments could play a major role in shaping the outcome of the series. With depth in both batting and bowling, India U-19 are widely tipped to control the contest and are favourites heading into the opener.
South Africa U-19, meanwhile, have struggled to find momentum. The young Proteas are coming off back-to-back defeats against Bangladesh U-19, including a loss in the final of the recently concluded Tri-Nation U-19 tournament in Zimbabwe. Those results have exposed inconsistencies, especially in handling pressure situations, though the squad still boasts promising individual talent.
Jason Rowles will be a key figure in South Africa's batting line-up. The middle-order batter has the ability to steady the innings while also accelerating when required, making him vital in setting or chasing targets. On the bowling front, Bandile Mbatha stands out as an important weapon. The medium pacer has the knack of breaking partnerships and could be crucial in restricting India's strong top order.
While South Africa U-19 will look to regroup and deliver a collective performance, India U-19 enter the match with stronger form and confidence. All signs point towards the visitors holding the upper hand as the series gets underway in Benoni.
India U19 and South Africa U19 Squads
India U19 Squad: Vaibhav Suryavanshi(c), Aaron George, Harvansh Pangalia, Vedant Trivedi, Abhigyan Kundu(w), Kanishk Chouhan, RS Ambrish, Khilan Patel, Henil Patel, Deepesh Devendran, Kishan Kumar Singh, Mohamed Enaan, Rahul Kumar, Udhav Mohan, Yuvraj Gohil.
South Africa U19 Squad: Jorich Van Schalkwyk, Adnaan Lagadien, Muhammed Bulbulia(w/c), Jason Rowles, Armaan Manack, Paul James, Daniel Bosman, Bandile Mbatha, Ntando Soni, JJ Basson, Bayanda Majola, Corne Botha, Michael Kruiskamp, Lethabo Phahlamohlaka, Enathi Kitshini.
India U19 vs South Africa U19 1st Youth ODI Live Streaming
The 1st Youth ODI between India U19 and South Africa U19 will be not be shown on the Star Sports Network on TV as clarified by the channel later. The live streaming of the match can be availed on the CSA YouTube channel from 1:00 pm IST.
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