India-19 reach Finals after thrilling win over hosts South Africa

Uday Saharan won the toss and decided to chase in the first semi-final. This was the first time India bowled first in the competition, having batted first in all five previous games.

Despite a significant slowdown in the middle overs, South Africa managed to attain a respectable score by aggressive play in the early and late stages of their innings. Despite losing four wickets for 32 runs, India completed an exciting chase because to a stunning partnership between Saharan and Sachin Dhas.

Indian skipper Uday Saharan batted calmly for 81 runs, bringing his team close to victory at Willowmoore Park. Raj Limbani smashed the following ball for four to end the game. Saharan and Sachin Dhas (96) helped India recover from a 32-for-4 deficit against South Africa’s 244-for-7. They scored 171 runs for the fifth wicket. Dhas (96 off 95 balls) and Saharan (81 off 124) motivated India to recover from 32 for 4 in 11.2 overs to reach the goal of 245 with just 7 balls remaining.

India’s notable bowlers were Raj Lambani (3/60) and Musheer Khan (2/43), as South Africa set a target of 245 runs. India’s choice to pursue in a quarterfinal game initially backfired, as South Africa’s left-arm pacer Kwena Maphaka removed opener Adarsh Singh on the first ball with an unplayable delivery. Musheer Khan, who was in good form, and opener Arshin Kulkarni were the next to go. India fell to 32/4 and was on the verge of losing their World Cup final spot.

Raj Limbani struck first, accounting for the dangerous Steve Stolk. During his brief stay, the feisty hitter struck two fours and a six, but he went for a wide one and nicked it behind the stumps. South Africa’s other opener, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, extended his arms following the defeat and struck a flurry of boundaries. Despite losing David Teeger (0) to a stunning inswinger from Limbani, the Proteas were up 55/2 at the end of the first Powerplay.

India’s spinners were able to keep the scoring pace low, with only 63 runs coming between overs 11 and 30. The pressure eventually got to Pretorius, who attempted to hoick Musheer Khan over mid-wicket but was caught at short mid-wicket. Abhishek Murugan made an incredible grab, hanging on to a ball that was flying past him with both hands.

Richard Seletswane and Oliver Whitehead attempted to increase the score pace with a variety of aggressive strokes, but Saharan stayed with his spinners. This resulted in Whitehead’s wicket at the conclusion of the 40th over.

The Proteas were struggling at 163/4 after 40 overs, but some late energy lifted them to a competitive score. Although South African stars Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Richard Seletswane hit 50s, they were unable to lead their side to victory. India won with seven balls to spare, despite losing a few wickets towards the finish, putting it a bit too close for comfort.