Here is Sportzwiki’s daily global sports round-up which is featuring the top news of January 28, 2018.
The news wrap includes the sporting events in the form of cricket and football in particular which has attracted the die-hard fans.
Under 19 ICC World Cup – Afghanistan Vs Australia:
In the first semi-final of the ongoing Under-19 ICC World Cup in New Zealand, Australia Under-19 registered a convincing six-wicket win over Afghanistan in Christchurch on Monday.
Batting first, Afghanistan U-19 team was bundled out inside 48 overs on 181 which further saw Australia chased the target in 37.3 over after the loss of four wickets.
For Australia youth, opener batsman Jack Edwards was the top-score with 72 off 65 balls, as he smashed eight boundaries and two sixes.
On the other side, medium pacer Jonathan Merlo managed to pick four wickets after conceding 24 runs in 10 allotted overs.
The only highlight for highly-impressive Afghanistan side was wicketkeeper-batsman Ikram Ali, who scored 80 off 119 balls, as his innings was comprised of eight fours.
U-19 Vs Pakistan U-19 Semi-final preview:
It’s going to be a mouth-watering clash between two arch-rivals and neighbouring countries in particular when the youth sides of Indian and Pakistan will wrestle it out in the second semi-final clash of the ongoing Under-19 ICC World Cup.
The interesting clash is all set to be played in Christchurch on January 30 with India Colts unbeatable in the competition.
As both side look balanced in the batting and bowling department, but youth in blue jerseys would have the edge over Hasan Khan-led Pakistan, as India has availed the services of speedsters in the form of Kamlesh Nagarkoti and Shivam Mani.
Moreover, the Prithvi Shaw as a leader led from the front which subsequently saw Shubman Gill delivering as a premier talent in the side in particular. Overall, the all-around show has witnessed India U-19 delivering.
On the hindsight, Pakistan youth had a mixed tournament so far, but a premium youngster like Shaheen Khan Afridi could be a player to watch out for in the seam-friendly conditions, and gloveman Rohail Nazir would be aiming to deliver with Ali Zaryab is expected to play the key role.
The problem with the Pakistan young side would be that they did not click according to the strength they possess on paper.
La Liga: Barcelona Vs Alves 2-1:
In the La Liga fixture, Barcelona has registered a comfortable 2-1 win over Alaves.
Interestingly, Alaves opened an account with the goal from Johan Guidetti which came in the 23rd minute before finishing the first-half with a 1-0 lead.
However, Barcelona returned with an equaliser from Luis Suarez’s goal in the 72nd minute and took the lead in 84th minute when veteran footballer Lionel Messi scored a goal in 84th minute.
FA Cup: Chelsea FC beat Newcastle 3-0:
In the fourth round fixture, Chelsea thumps Newcastle by 3-0 at the Stamford Bridge on Monday.
In the 31st minute, Michy Batshuayi scored a goal before returning in style in the 44th minute to take the 2-0 lead.
In the second-half, Marcos Alonso Mendoza extended the lead in the 72nd minute to pile-up the misery for the Newcastle which has just 39 percent possession during the game, as Chelsea dominated thoroughly.
Follow Under-19 cricket news here: ICC World Cup Under-19, 2018