NEW DELHI: Indian spinner
Ravichandran Ashwin
has commended Indian U19 batter
Sachin Dhas
, likening his batting style to that of West Indies star
Shai Hope
, after Dhas played a crucial role in India's nervy two-wicket win over South Africa, securing a spot in the
U19 World Cup
final.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Ashwin remarked on the similarities between Dhas's "coil and bat swing" and that of Shai Hope, praising the composure displayed by Dhas and skipper
Uday Saharan
during their partnership.
Hope, the current West Indies ODI skipper, boasts an impressive international record across formats, with 18 centuries and 32 fifties to his name. In the ODIs, he has scored 5,177 runs in 124 matches at an average of 50.26.
Dhas, on the other hand, has been instrumental in India's U19 World Cup journey, ranking as the third-highest run-scorer in the tournament with 294 runs at an average of 73.50.
In the semi-final clash against South Africa, India faced an early top-order collapse but recovered thanks to a brilliant 172-run partnership between Dhas (96) and skipper
Saharan
(81).
Despite a late wobble, India secured victory with Raj Limbani's calm innings, with Saharan awarded the 'Player of the Match' for his composed half-century.
South Africa, batting first, posted 244/7 with Lhuan-dre Pretorius (76) and Richard Seletswane (64) leading the charge. India's bowling unit, led by Limbani's 3/60, restricted the opposition.
Proteas bowlers Kwena Maphanka (3/32) and Tristan Luus (3/37) impressed but couldn't prevent India's triumph.
With this win, India advanced to the U19 World Cup final, showcasing their resilience and talent under pressure, as they aim for glory in the prestigious tournament.
(With inputs from ANI)
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