ICC U-19 World Cup 2018: 5 players to watch out for in India-Pakistan semi-final

We are all set for another India-Pakistan encounter as the two sides gear up to square off in the semi-final of the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup 2018 in Hagley Oval, Christchurch tomorrow. Both sides have some extremely talented players that have the potential to represent their senior sides in the future.

Here are five players whose performances could go a long way in determining the outcome of the match:

Prithvi Shaw

Prithvi Shaw first gained attention when he scored 546 runs in an innings in minor cricket. He has, since then, backed it up with great numbers in the Ranji Trophy as well. The best thing about his batting is his all-round game which allows him to score freely even in the four-day format.

The captain of the Indian U-19 side has continued his great form in this tournament as well, scoring 191 runs at an average of 95.5 thus far.

Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi has already been compared to Australian speedster Mitchell Starc

Shaheen Shah Afridi first broke the internet when a video of his bowling went viral. That video landed him a 2-year development contract with Dhaka Gladiators. His participation in the U-19 Asia Cup meant that he couldn't represent the Bangladesh franchise, however, he was picked by Lahore Qalandars in the PSL draft.

There is great hype surrounding him and he is well on his way to fulfilling his potential. So far in the U-19 World Cup, he has scalped 11 wickets including a match-winning spell of 6-15 against Ireland. He is quick, can swing it both ways at an awkward length and can spear in fast swinging yorkers as well.

All these qualities have led to comparisons with Mitchell Starc and some former cricketers even believe that he should be fast-tracked into the senior side. His spell would be crucial tomorrow as Pakistan would definitely need early breakthroughs from him.

Shubman Gill

Shubman Gill is India's leading run-scorer in the tournament so far

Shubman Gill was picked by Kolkata Knight Riders in this year's IPL auction, the reason being his sublime stroke play.

In terms of innings, Gill is the fastest to 1000 runs (13 innings) in U-19 ODIs. The best part is that he has scored those runs at a strike rate of more than 100. Batting at number 3 (just like his idol Virat Kohli), he is the key to giving his side a great start and adding impetus to their innings.

Kamlesh Nagarkoti

Bowler's with genuine pace are very rare in India and Kamlesh Nagarkoti's arrival is a breath of fresh air

The last time we saw someone bowl with such serious pace in U-19 cricket was back in 2014, when Kagiso Rabada helped South Africa win the tournament. Since then, Rabada has been doing wonders for them in international cricket.

India would want Kamlesh Nagarkoti to follow a similar path. A genuinely quick bowler, brilliant fielder and a useful hitter down the order, Nagarkoti is a great illustration of the modern-day cricketer. It is his bowling though that Pakistan would be fearing the most and surviving his new-ball spell is going to take some doing for a top order that is yet to fire.

Ali Zaryab Asif

Ali Zaryab Asif has carried the Pakistani batting unit on his shoulders

Playing for Lahore Blues in his First-Class debut, Ali Zaryab got a pair, but things have changed for the better for him in this tournament. He has been the backbone of what has been a fragile batting unit.

He guided Pakistan to victory in the Quarter-Final against South Africa with a patient knock of 74 and has so far scored 163 runs at a healthy average of 81.5, including two fifties.

Pakistan will need him to fire in the semi-final so that the others can bat around him.