India's Under-19 side lost half their batting line-up in their U19 Asia Cup match against Pakistan after Anvay Dravid was dismissed by Niqab Shafiq, according to The Indian Express. Dravid was caught by Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf, leaving India five wickets down.
The Indian Express reports that the wicket owed much to Yousaf's reading of the game. The Pakistan captain had noticed Dravid playing a similar stroke in the previous over and positioned himself accordingly. When Dravid attempted the shot again, Yousaf was waiting in that spot and took the catch.
The dismissal added to India's troubles at the top of the order. Earlier in the innings, Raichandani departed for a two-ball duck, with Vineeth joining Aaryavir Sehwag at the crease at 9/1 after four overs, Sportstar reported. The Times of India later noted that Rizwanullah removed Yashbardhan Chauhan to leave India three down.
The match carries weight beyond the usual rivalry. Rediff described the fixture as a contest for both bragging rights and top spot in the group, while India Today highlighted the meeting between Aaryavir Sehwag and Pakistan's Ali Raza as a key duel. India went into the game looking to settle scores against Pakistan.
With India's middle order now exposed, the remaining batters will need to rebuild against a Pakistan attack that has already found regular breakthroughs. The next passage of play, and how quickly India's lower order can steady the innings, will shape the total Pakistan are set to chase.
