Published: Feb 24, 2014, 01:16 PM (IST)
Edited: Feb 24, 2014, 01:16 PM (IST)
Feb 24, 2014
England take on Pakistan in the first semi-final of the Under-19 World Cup at Dubai on Monday. Having won the toss, England will look to put up a big total.
England overcame a major test when they beat India, as they dealt with the spinners very well. Ben Duckett was very impressive and stunned the Indians by taking the power-play early. That put India on the back-foot and is proof of England’s attacking intent. While Duckett was the star, they do have others such as Jonathan Tattersall, who started off very well against India but couldn’t carry on. Ed Barnard seems to be one player with a solid technique and could be someone who would hold the batting. Lower down the order, wicketkeeper Joe Clarke is a stable batsman and someone who is more of a finisher.
If one has to pick a few contests to look forward to, then one would say that the Pakistan openers are up against an inspired English pace attack. Skipper Sami Aslam and his opening partner, Imam-ul-Haq put up a good partnership in the quarter-final, but facing the English seamers may not be the easiest task for them.
