Benoni, Feb 7: Five-time champions India overcame some jittery moments to defeat South Africa by two wickets to advance into the final of the Under-19 World Cup for the ninth time, here on Tuesday.
Skipper Uday Saharan led from the front with a calm and composed 81 (124 balls), while Sachin Dhas scored 96 to bail India out from being 32/4 in their tricky pursuit of 245.
The duo, who had put together a 200-plus stand against Nepal in the previous match, this time stitched a 171-run alliance that came off just 187 deliveries to seize control.
Needing 19 from 19 balls, India lost two wickets — Aravelly Avanish (10) and Murugan Abhishek (0) in three balls — but Saharan kept calm in the company of Raj Lambani (13) who sealed their fifth successive final with a boundary.
The pace duo of Kwena Maphaka (3/32) and Tristan Luus (3/37) were the pick of South Africa bowlers.
Earlier opting to bowl, the Saharan-led side restricted South Africa to 244/7.
Wicketkeeper-batter Lhuan-dre Pretorious (76, 102 balls) top-scored for South Africa opening the batting, while Richard Seletswane made 64 off 100 deliveries in a 72-run stand.
New-ball bowler Raj Limbani (3/60) was the pick of the Indian bowler, while Musheer Khan bagged 2/43. Naman Tiwari and Saumy Pandey took one wicket apiece.
Saharan, India captain and POTM, said, We were well behind at one point. Kept saying one thing that we have to bat till the end. Was a matter of one partnership. I get that from my dad (taking the game deep). When I walked into bat, ball was nipping a bit, and there was good bounce. Later it started coming onto the bat better. We don’t let the morale get low in the dressing room at all – our environment and coaches are superb. Great feeling to reach the final. Got a taste of close games.
James, SA captain, saud, They bowled really well. When they were batting when we had them 4 down, Uday and Sachin batted really well. Something we’ve struggled with the whole tournament. Thing that stands out most for me is never giving up. Want to thank everyone for coming out for every single game.