Under 19 World Cup 2024: The India U-19 mens team defeated South Africa on Thursday to storm into the finals of the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2024. Five-time winner and defending champions India beat hosts by 2 wickets at Willowmoore Park in Benoni. The #BoysInBlue are into the FINAL of the #U19WorldCup! 🥳A thrilling 2⃣-wicket win over South Africa U-19 👏👏Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/Ay8YmV8QDg#TeamIndia | #INDvSA pic.twitter.com/wMxe7gVAiL— BCCI (@BCCI) February 6, 2024India pulled off a stunning comeback victory against quasi-hosts South Africa in the semi-final. Initially facing a daunting chase of 245 runs, India stumbled early in their innings as the four batters were dismissed on 32 against South Africas formidable bowling attack. However, a remarkable 171-run partnership between skipper Uday Saharan (81) and Sachin Dhas (96) turned the tide in Indias favor, setting them on the path to victory by just two wickets.India make it to their fifth consecutive Mens #U19WorldCup Final 🎉 pic.twitter.com/ESSKCLv7GC— ICC (@ICC) February 6, 2024Opting to chase for the first time in the tournament, India endured a shaky start, losing Adarsh Singh to an unplayable delivery from Kwena Maphaka. Tristan Luus then capitalized on Indias vulnerability, dismissing Musheer Khan and Arshin Kulkarni in quick succession.India held nervesHowever, the drinks break proved to be a turning point for India, as Dhas and Saharan made a remarkable recovery. Their partnership, the highest fifth-wicket stand in the history of U19 World Cups, rejuvenated Indias innings. Dhas played aggressively, hitting 11 fours and a six in his 95-ball innings, while Saharan anchored the innings with a composed knock of 81 off 124 balls.Captain fantastic 🌟 Uday Saharan 🙌#U19WorldCup | #INDvSA: https://t.co/SCmVJW8Msf pic.twitter.com/iWMyAy1eU4— ICC (@ICC) February 6, 2024Despite a late flurry of wickets, including the dramatic run-out of Saharan, India held their nerve, with Raj Limbanis timely boundary and composed batting finishing the game with seven balls to spare.Earlier in the match, South Africa posted a challenging total of 244 runs, with contributions from Lhuan-dre Pretorius (76) and Richard Seletswane (64). However, Indias disciplined bowling, led by Musheer Khan, restricted South Africas scoring rate in the middle overs.Who will reach in finalOn the back of the semis win, India advances to the final, where they will face the winner of the Australia vs Pakistan semi-final clash, poised to vie for the U19 World Cup title.Brief ScorecardSouth Africa: 244/7 in 50 Overs (Lhuan-dre Pretorius 76, Richard Seletswane 64 Limbani 3/60)India: 248/8 in 48.5 Overs (Sachin Dhas 96, Uday Saharan 81 Maphaka 3/32)Result: India won by 2 wickets
