India Vs South Africa in Under-19 World Cup: On Tuesday, India made history when their young team defeated South Africa for an unprecedented fifth time at Willowmoore Park’s semifinal of the U-19 World Cup at Willowmoore Park.
Sachin Dhas led Team India’s recovery against an initial target of 245 runs with his exceptional innings of 96 runs that led to their victory and unprecedented advancement to the finals of the U-19 World Cup for a record fifth time!
As Team India began their chase of the low target on Tuesday, they experienced an uneven start. But due to an incredible partnership between Sachin Dhas (96) and Uday Saharan (81), captain of Team India, India was eventually saved from precarious circumstances caused by top-order collapse.
South Africa’s soccer team demonstrated extraordinary courage when competing against Ghana last month.
Indian spinners Musheer Khan, Murugan Abhishek and Priyanshu Moliya began weaving their magic early in the game as South African batters began collapsing like dominoes. Lhuan-dre Pretorius gave his team an excellent start under Lhuan-dre Pretorius’ opening batsman bat, and things seemed promising for Lhuan-dre Pretorius and company – things looked suitable indeed for their hosts. Soon enough, Indian spinners Musheer Khan, Murugan Abhishek, and Priyanshu Moliya’s magic came when things began spiralling out of control en masse en masse before giving way.
Indian team’s pressure was never wavered during their innings against South Africa, with South Africa becoming the first team in this competition to cross 170 runs against them and reach 244/7 runs from 50 overs despite all efforts at scoring not being fruitful.
Team India has been the dominant side in this year’s Under-19 World Cup so far, winning three games by margins exceeding 200 runs and arriving as favourites at Willowmoore Park as one of their matches, yet somehow still managed to remain unbeatable as one of the last teams standing.
Young Indian players excel at every aspect of the game, from batters becoming difficult opponents for top bowlers to bowlers decimating formidable batting attacks. India will more than hold its own against Australia or Pakistan in the U-19 World Cup finals.
India made history on Tuesday by stunning South Africa in an incredible comeback victory by two wickets to enter the ICC U19 One-Day International World Cup 2024 final at Benoni. Following their loss of four wickets at 32 at Benoni, reigning champions India managed to achieve their target of 245 runs thanks to a unique 171-run partnership between Sachin Dhas and Uday Saharan for a wicket batting partnership that brought victory back into reach.
Proteas reached an impressive total of 244/7 when batting first thanks to Richard Seletswane and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who both contributed 64 runs, with Lhuan-dre Pretorius hitting his third consecutive fifty in this competition.
However, India managed to pull off an unexpected victory despite an early collapse from their top order, thanks to Dhas’ 96 off 95 balls and Saharan’s 81 as captain in their first semifinal match. The final game on February 11th between Pakistan and Australia will determine who they face off against, in India’s case.
Following his victory at Willomoore Park’s critical toss, India’s captain decided to bowl first, an unexpected choice given that India had previously won all five matches while batting first. On the other hand, Indian bowlers continued their excellent form with yet another magnificent showing from them.
Raj Limbani made an early breakthrough for India when he bowled Steve Stolk out in the fifth over, giving India their breakthrough. Later, he bowled David Teeger out with an accurate delivery that put South Africa under immense pressure, yet their Proteas could withstand this threat thanks to Pretorius and Seletswane, who displayed both strong forms.
Pretorius and Seletswane contributed 72 runs for South Africa’s total with just 131 balls, scoring 51 runs off 50 overs at the third wicket, with both players reaching fifty runs each; Pretorius achieved his third half-century of the competition! Even so, South Africa managed to get 244/7 thanks to late cameos by Tristan Luus (23 off 12 balls) and Juan James as captain, who both contributed 23 runs, respectively, in 50 overs.
Kwena Maphaka quickly got rid of Adarsh Singh on the first delivery of India’s innings before fast bowler Luus took three wickets within ten overs to reduce them to 32/2 in 9.2 overs – as part of their plan to defend a strong score.
However, Saharan once more took the initiative in leading his team, while Sachin Dhas – having served as a centurion in their previous match – provided valuable support. By taking time to settle in properly and protecting themselves effectively against Mphaka-Luus while remaining in complete control over which shots they chose, this pair managed to defend effectively while maintaining superb control over shots taken.
Saharan played cautious cricket while defending his wicket. At the same time, Dhas oversaw India’s chase by hitting consecutive boundaries and setting a world record for the youngest one-day international player by scoring 171 runs for India’s fifth wicket – setting off its successful chase mission.
Maphaka made his late impact felt by stopping Dhas from scoring his second consecutive hundred. Dhas struck 11 fours and one six during his top-scoring performance of 96 runs off 95 balls; Maphaka then claimed three wickets by dismissing Aravelly Avanish, who served as wicketkeeper batter. South Africa managed to keep their game close throughout this contest.
However, Saharan kept his cool, scoring an astonishing 81 runs off 124 balls before India tied the score with nine remaining in their possession. Oliver Whitehead’s direct throw ultimately ended Saharan’s remarkable innings; however it was too late for Saharan or India as India secured a two-wicket victory with only seven balls remaining.
