Bangladesh are a win away from captain Akbar Ali's bold pre-tournament prediction that they could lift the trophy, but standing between them and glory is a formidable India side that blew away arch-rival Pakistan by 10 wickets in the semi-final. Defending champion India have won 11 consecutive matches at the age-level competition since their defeat against the West Indies in the final of the 2016 edition. Bangladesh's triumph set up a third all-Asian final in the U-19 World Cup, but this is the first to be played outside the sub-continent. We can't take the pressure of thinking that this is our first final," said Bangladesh skipper Akbar. For all the players at this World Cup, there remains the dream not just of winning but doing enough to start forging a professional career in the game.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 08, 2020 06:56 UTC