U19 Cricket World Cup. Three semi finalist finalized
In the Group 1 encounter of Super six stage of U19 Cricket World Cup, Indian Cricket team faced early setbacks, finding themselves at 62 for 3 after 14 overs. However, a remarkable turnaround saw them finish at 297 for 5. In response, Nepal started well at 65 for 1, but their innings deteriorated to 77 for 7 after 27.4 overs. Despite batting the full 50 overs, Nepal only managed to reach 165 for 9, emphasizing the evident gap between the two teams. The undefeated India secured a spot in the men’s Under-19 World Cup semi-finals, while Nepal’s journey concluded.
Saumy Pandey played a pivotal role in Nepal’s collapse, taking 4 for 29, contributing to a slide of 6 for 14. His exceptional performance in the tournament yielded 16 wickets at an impressive average of 6.62.
India’s victory was primarily set up by centurions Sachin Dhas and Uday Saharan. After an initial struggle losing three early wickets, the fourth-wicket pair formed a crucial 215-run partnership. Dhas dominated with a brilliant 116 off 101 balls, marking the highest stand for that wicket or lower in all Youth ODIs. Saharan reached his century off 107 deliveries, securing India’s commanding position.
Despite Nepal restricting India’s boundaries in the death overs, conceding only 81 in the last 10, the batting side managed to post a formidable total. Saharan, mistakenly celebrating his century in the 49th over, eventually reached the milestone in the final over, finishing as the World Cup’s second-highest run-scorer.
Meanwhile, in Kimberley, a washout ended West Indies’ Cricket team semi-final hopes, confirming Australia’s top spot in Group 2. Australia faced challenges, posting a modest 227 for 8, and rain interrupted West Indies at 24 for 2 in the fifth over.
In Potchefstroom, South Africa secured a semi-final berth alongside Australia, defeating Sri Lanka by 119 runs. Despite a collapse from 103 for 1 to 133 for 6, South Africa managed to post 232 for 8. Sri Lanka struggled from the start, reduced to 13 for 3 by Kwena Maphaka’s fiery spell, eventually stumbling to 113 all out in 23.2 overs. Maphaka’s exceptional figures of 6 for 21 and Riley Norton’s four-for earned him the Player-of-the-Match award.
Fourth semi final qualifiers is yet to decide.
