India’s Near Win Over South Africa
In a nail-biting Semi-final match between India and South Africa, India fueled by resilience, cinched a spot in the ICC Men’s Under 19 World Cup 2024 Finale for the fifth consecutive time.
Beating the hosts that turned out to be a thrilling game, the Indian flag fluttered proudly at the Willowmoore Park in Benoni, South Africa. 
Marshalled by the tenacious captain – Uday Saharan, India, in a tense match showed their strength to finish the game and emerge victorious by two wickets.
The Under 19 World Cup, commencing on 19th January, will conclude on February 11th 2024 in an anticipating Finale for which India has already booked a spot.
India’s Struggles and Solution
Saharan and Co. rose to the towering target of 245/7 runs set by the hosts. Initially, the score seemed arduous to reach with India’s four wickets falling with only 32 runs on the board. India struggled to foster a stable partnership.
This predicament was overcomed when Saharan and Sachin Dhas’s enduring partnership of 171 runs, propelled India towards the finishing line. Dhas’ tremendous knock of 96, bolstered by Uday’s impressive 81 assured India’s play in the Finals.
This fifth wicket partnership set a record for being the highest-ever-fifth-wicket association in the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup history.
Saharan’s Proud Captain Moment
Saharan, the beaming and well-deserving captain of the U-19 team, accentuated the significance of getting a good partnership in the post match presentation. He appreciated the team’s efforts in delivering a good comeback.
‘It is a great feeling to reach the final’ said Saharan as he looks forward to lifting the World Cup trophy with his team. The tough win was crucial in testing the teamwork of the players and giving them a taste of snatching victory from the jaws of loss.
Winning the Player of the Match award, he further says that ‘We don’t let the morale get low in the dressing room at all — our environment and coaches are superb.’
With a heavy heart, Juan James, the South African skipper trashed his dreams of playing the Finals and regretted his team’s inadequate attempt to break India’s striking partnership.
Will Saharan & Co. Lift the World Cup?
Narrowly edging to victory, the Indian crowd at the stadium had a thumping heartbeat in a display of skill, sportsmanship and spirit. The winning boundary hit by Raj Limbani sealed India’s win, ending a thrilling adrenaline rush.
Combating the valiant efforts of the Maphaka (3/32) and Luus (3/37), South Africa’s bowling prowess wasn’t on point. 
This was the only match of India that saw a close finish. All others match were easily won with wide margins.
The Team awaits their opponent in the Finals at Willowmoore Park as Pakistan and Australia lock horns in the sami-finals this Sunday.
