Lower-order batter Sachin Dhas led Team India’s resurgence with a decisive 96, as skipper Uday Saharan and his team successfully chased down the modest 245-run target in the Under-19 World Cup semi-final at Willowmoore Park on Tuesday.
Forming a record-breaking partnership, Dhas and Saharan revived India after a top-order collapse in the first semi-final of the U-19 World Cup.
Playing a captain’s knock, Saharan scored 81 off 124 balls, steering India to a memorable victory against the hosts.
Prior to this, South Africa briefly took the upper hand, courtesy of opener Lhuan-dre Pretorius. However, spinners Musheer Khan, Murugan Abhishek, and Priyanshu Moliya intervened, stifling the Proteas in the middle overs. India maintained relentless pressure on the hosts throughout their innings.
South Africa became the first team in the tournament to surpass 170 against India but was restricted to 244/7 in 50 overs.
The Indian team has not only won every match so far but has also demonstrated unreal domination, securing three victories with a margin of more than 200 runs.
The defending champions have advanced into the final with six consecutive wins in the tournament, showcasing their exciting talent in a superb all-round performance.
The ‘Men in Blue’ will now face the winner of the second semi-final between Australia and Pakistan, in the final scheduled for Sunday.
Brief scores: SA 244-7 (50.0) | IND 248-8 (48.5)