NEW DELHI (India): The tournament’s most successful side in history India will take on first-time finalists Bangladesh in ICC U19 World Cup final in Potchefstroom (South Africa) on Sunday.
India have won since first reigning supreme in 2000, with Priyam Garg’s side now looking for back-to-back tournament wins for the first time.
But the defending champions will have to work hard to defend their crown at JB Marks Oval, with Bangladesh seeking glory in what has already been an historic tournament in South Africa.
Never before have the Tigers reached the Super League final, their previous best efforts coming on home turf when finishing third in 2016.
This year, however, they have broken through to show the world what they are all about – bidding to turn their maiden final into a first victory.
“Being in the final means a lot to us, we had ten practice games before the tournament got started and got used to the conditions and pitches around the country,” Garg told icc-cricket.com.
“It will be a good game for everyone, the team bonding and spirit is really good, the backroom staff have helped us through that journey and we’re looking forward to it.
“We’ve had a good experience all over South Africa, there has been great organisation and BCCI have really supported us,” he added.
Bangladesh have never played in the final, but they are far from making up the numbers.
Their group stage started in scintillating fashion, overcoming Zimbabwe and Scotland by nine wickets (DLS) and seven wickets respectively to secure their place in the Super League.
“It’s a great feeling for us to reach the final, the boys are really excited and hopefully we will play our best cricket in this match,” said captain Akbar Ali.
“The tournament has been fantastic, we are playing on different surfaces in different conditions and we’ve already learnt a lot from this experience. Hopefully this can help push us on the senior level.”
