U19 Cricket World Cup 2024 Semi-Final: IND vs SA, Sachin Dhas And Uday Saharan Lead India To 5th Consecutive Final. The U-19 Indian cricket team, under the leadership of Uday Saharan and star performer Sachin Dhas, showed brilliant cricketing skills and beat South Africa in the semi-final. They made their fifth straight appearance at the U-19 World Cup final.
The composed batting from the pair, after a rocky start, steered India to a thrilling two-wicket victory over South Africa on February 6, ending the campaign for the host nation. South Africa were left to rue the 26 extras that they conceded as India scrambled the win with seven balls to spare, it being the first time any side crossed the 200-run mark against India in the semis.
Winning the toss and electing to bowl first, India was in front of a challenging challenge as South Africa managed to put up a very good total of 244 runs. However, the bowling attack of India, along with Musheer Khan and Raj Limbani, bowled with discipline and skills, well complemented by the spin-duo of Saumy Pandey and Musheer.
IND U19 vs SA U19: Saharan and Dhas: A Partnership of Maturity and Aggression
However, their strong bowling was not supported by a weak batting approach, as key wickets in the powerplay itself, including that of the skipper opener Adarsh Singh and prolific batsman Musheer Khan, were lost during the chase.
The Uday Saharan and Sachin Dhas pair seemed outstanding in their matured approach and poise against the bowling of Pakistan despite a rather overwhelming 25 for 3. Sachin Dhas was aggressive in his approach, Uday Saharan took the role of an anchor to perfection with a rather well-paced innings for India.
The partnership grew to cross the 100-run mark with Saharan soon overtaking Musheer Khan as the highest run-getter of the tournament. But Dhas fell agonizingly four runs short of his century, outfoxed by a wily delivery by Kwena Maphaka on 96. However, India’s fortitude did not waver and they started to chase steadily.
With the game hanging in balance, there did come a few tense moments for India—a critical run-out almost got successful and even the running between the wickets was nervy at times. But, with the composed batting of Raj Limbani, completed by a boundary, brought India close to the victory line. Uday Saharan later made sure with a stunning cover drive.
India’s fabulous victory sets up a title showdown with the winner between Pakistan and Australia – the other semi-finalists play on Sunday. Again, outplaying South Africa along the way, India’s U19 team gives a glimpse of its performance at the global stage, towards the goal of U19 World Cup glory.
