Feb-6, India won five U-19 World Cups (more than anyone else) and has reached the last four finals. So, while there may not be anything special about the 2024 squad as they prepare for Tuesday’s semi-final against hosts South Africa in Benoni, their bravery in crushing opponents so far still deserves praise.
The #BoysInBlue are geared up for Semi-Final 1⃣ in the #U19WorldCup 👌👌#TeamIndia will face South Africa U19 tomorrow at the Willowmoore Park, Benoni 🙌
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 5, 2024
Follow the match on https://t.co/Z3MPyeL1t7 or the official BCCI App 📱 pic.twitter.com/zQKBKf7Nfb
India launched an campaign against Bangladesh in Bloemfontein two weeks ago. Little did they know that the 84-run victory was the closest they had ever come to victory. In this match, the fifties of Adarsh Singh and captain Uday Saharan played a key role in India’s 251/7, while Saumi Pandey’s 4/24 limited Bangladesh to 167.
Then, after different players contributed at different times, This is very important in this major tournaments, where it is dangerous for him to rely too much on one or two players in the big tournament. But when it comes to outstanding performers, it’s hard to look beyond Mushir Khan with the bat and Pandey with the ball.
Pandey was India’s main weapon with the ball, with the 19-year-old from Madhya Pradesh becoming the third-highest wicket-taker in the tournament with 16 wickets in five matches.
Most indicators point to India building on their proud record and continuing to challenge for a sixth title, but the South Africans will be hoping for an upset with the back of their hands. Their campaign hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing after losing to England in the group stage, but as they reiterated at the Senior ODI World Cup three months ago, on the big day, past events are meaningless. There is a possibility that it will disappear. At least South Africa will stick to that on Tuesday.