NEW DELHI: Defending champions India will be firm favourites in the
semifinal clash
of the ongoing U-19 World Cup against hosts
South Africa
on Tuesday.
Boasting an unblemished record with five consecutive wins in the tournament, India's young brigade has left an indelible mark with their stellar performances across all departments.
The batting lineup, led by the 18-year-old sensation
Musheer Khan
, has been relentless, piling up runs and burying opponents under mountains of scoreboard pressure.
Musheer, the tournament's leading run-scorer, has amassed an impressive 334 runs in five outings at an average of 83.50. Captain
Uday Saharan
has been equally instrumental, contributing 304 runs with two fifties and a century, boasting an average of 61.60.
Notably, Sachin Dhas showcased his mettle with a crucial century against Nepal, rescuing India from a challenging position at 62 for three.
The bowlers, led by left-arm spinner
Saumy Kumar Pandey
, have been exceptional. Pandey's enviable economy rate of 2.17 has seen him claim 16 wickets, placing him third on the list of most successful bowlers in the World Cup. His precision during powerplays has allowed India to dominate proceedings with the ball in hand.
As Team India looks to extend its winning streak, their recent triumphs over South Africa in the Tri-Nation Series ODIs provide an additional confidence boost. However, the knockout stage brings a different kind of pressure, setting the stage for a gripping battle between India's in-form batters and South Africa's formidable left-arm pacer, Kwena Maphaka.
Maphaka, with three five-wicket hauls in five games, has been South Africa's trump card, claiming 18 scalps and playing a pivotal role in their recent commanding victories. The left-arm paceman's outstanding performance, particularly his 6/21 against Sri Lanka, has set the stage for a compelling encounter in the first semifinal.
The stakes are high, with the prospect of a potential India-Pakistan blockbuster looming in the final, should both teams emerge victorious in their respective semifinals.
The cricketing world awaits an electrifying clash between India and South Africa, promising a battle of skill and determination in the quest for U-19 World Cup glory.
Teams (from):
India: Uday Saharan (c), Arshin Kulkarni, Adarsh Singh, Rudra Mayur Patel, Sachin Dhas, Priyanshu Moliya, Musheer Khan, Aravelly Avanish Rao (wk), Saumy Kumar Pandey, Murugan Abhishek, Innesh Mahajan (wk), Dhanush Gowda, Aaradhya Shukla, Raj Limbani and Naman Tiwari.
South Africa: Juan James (c), Esosa Aihevba, Raeeq Daniels, Kwena Maphaka, Dewan Marais, Nqobani Mokoena, Riley Norton, Romashan Pillay, Sipho Potsane, Ntando Zuma (wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Richard Seletswane, Steve Stolk, David Teeger, Oliver Whitehead.
Time: 1:30PM IST.
(With inputs from PTI)
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