Defending champions India faced their biggest challenge when South Africa speedsters sent them four down for just 32 runs in 11.2 overs in the U19 World Cup semifinal match at the Willowmoore Park in Benoni. However, riding on a record 171-run stand for the fifth wicket, between captain Uday Saharan and Sachin Dhas, the five-time champions scripted a miraculous come-from-behind win.
India, with their two-wicket victory, reached their fifth straight final and now await the result of the semifinal match between Australia and Pakistan. India found themselves in deep water early in the chase of 245 as the defending champions went four down in just 68 deliveries. Kwena Maphaka bowled a practically unplayable delivery to dismiss India opener Adarsh Singh in the first ball of the innings. Tristan Luus then had India's highest run-getter Musheer Khan dismissed.
Tristan returned in the final over of the powerplay to remove Arshin Kulkarni and Priyanshu Moliya in the 12th over. Saharan was a mere spectator at the crease to three of India's first four dismissals. He struggled equally against the formidable South African pace unit, managing only 4 off 17 balls at the time of Moliya's dismissal. Saharan combined with Dhas, who led the charge in the partnership by keeping the run rate on track as the pair stitched an incredible 171-run stand, the highest-ever for India for the fifth wicket in U19 World Cups.
From 32 for four, India revived to stand 41 runs away from victory in 47 balls with the Saharan and Dhas smashing 16 boundaries and a maximum between themselves before Maphaka handed another tricky period to India. He struck twice in three overs to dismiss Dhas and Aravelly Avanish while Murugan Abhishek was run out as India went seven down with still 17 required to win. However, Saharan maintained composure, absorbed the pressure and paced his innings accordingly alongside the tail.
