From 32/4 to Final Glory: U19 Indian squad receive praises from cricket fraternity after win in ICC U19 World Cup semis

Staging one of the best comebacks after being 4 wickets down for just 32 runs, Team India secured a victory and booked their fifth consecutive spot in the final of the ICC U19 World Cup 2024. With this win, India entered their 9th final of the tournament with a two-wicket victory. Chasing down the target of 244/7 set by South Africa in 50 overs, Kwena Maphaka dismissed Adarsh Singh on the very first ball of the Indian innings. Later, Tristan Luss further troubled the Boys in Blue with the wickets of Arshin Kulkarni (12), Musheer Khan (4), and Priyanshu Moliya (5). 

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However, after being at 32/4 and in huge trouble, captain Uday Saharan found an able partner in Sachin Dhas, and together they added 171 runs. The two almost stayed till the end, and later, the tailenders finished the job for the side, taking them into the final as the undefeated team of the tournament. The cricket fraternity soon took to social media to praise the youngsters for their solid comeback.

As for the clash, India captain Uday Saharan won the toss and chose to bowl first. Lhuan-dre Pretorius with 74 and Richard Seletswane with 64 led the South African batting. Oliver Whitehead (22), Juan James (24), and Tristan Luus (23*) also contributed as the hosts posted 244/7 in 50 overs. For India, Raj Limbani (3/60) and Musheer Khan (2/43) were the standout bowlers. 

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In response, after being 32/4, Dhas scored 96 with 11 fours and 1 six. After his departure, Saharan took over and scored a brilliant 81 in 124 balls with 6 fours. Raj Limbani hit one four and one six as well in his 13* as India won a thrilling contest with 2 wickets in hand. With this close win, India qualified for the final of the U19 World Cup 2024 and will face the winner of the second semi-final between Australia and Pakistan.

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