India U-19s expected to crush Japan

Bloemfontein, January 20

Four-time champions India would look to inch closer towards a quarterfinals spot when they take on debutants Japan in their Group A tie of the ICC U-19 World Cup tomorrow.

India cruised to a 90-run victory over Sri Lanka in their opening group league encounter yesterday, riding on an impressive batting performance which was topped by a disciplined bowling effort.

Japan, on the other hand, were lucky to have garnered a point after their first match against New Zealand was washed out in Potchefstroom on Saturday.

India are atop Group A and a victory tomorrow will virtually guarantee them a place in the last-8 stage. India will play New Zealand in their last group match on January 24. The India colts played like favourites on Sunday, excelling in all the departments of the game to outclass their South Asian neighbours. And come tomorrow, the Indians are expected to steamroll an inexperienced Japanese side. If India bat first, they are expected to pile up a mammoth total against an inexperienced Japanese bowling attack.

WI beat England by 71 runs

Kimberley: West Indies beat England by 71 runs under the Duckworth/Lewis method in their U-19 World Cup match. In another match, Australia crushed Nigeria by 10 wickets. — PTI