INDIA is into its ninth Under 19 World Cup final – and fifth in a row – after defeating host nation South Africa in a thrilling semi-final overnight. The defending champion will now take on either Australia or Pakistan in Sunday’s decider, with the second semi taking place tomorrow night.

For the first time in this year’s tournament, India opted to chase after Uday Saharan won the toss at Willowmoore Park. It looked dicey at times, but the skipper hit 96 off 95 balls to do the bulk of work in a record fifth-wicket stand of 171 runs, alongside Sachin Dias (81 off 124).

The pair came together with India reeling at 4-32 in pursuit of South Africa’s 244. At the end of their stand in the 43rd over, the victors still required 32 runs with five wickets in hand and certainly made hard work of it.

The requirement dropped to 18 runs off 16 deliveries, but South Africa stayed in the hunt with three more dismissals. Enter Raj Limbani, who smoked 13 off four to drag India over the line with two wickets and seven balls to spare.

South Africa’s attack certainly brought the heat early on, and made an ominous start to send Adarsh Singh packing with the first ball of the innings. Kwena Maphaka (3-32) and Tristan Luus (3-37) were the pick of the bowlers, while a pair of runouts also made things interesting.

Earlier, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (74 off 102) and Richard Seletswane (64 off 100) were the lynchpins of the hosts’ dig. India restricted the run rate nicely though, with Limbani (3-60), Musheer Khan (2-43) and Saumy Pandey (1-38) all racking up over 30 dot balls.

Saharan, Khan and Dhas are now the tournament’s three leading run scorers, while Pandey has the second-most wickets. That may all change, though, with two games left to play out and one of the three remaining nations set to go through the tournament undefeated.

SCORECARD

RESULT: India def. South Africa by 2 wickets with 7 balls remaining.
POTM: Uday Saharan (India)

India won the toss and elected to bowl.

South Africa 7-244 (50)
Lhuan-dre Pretorius 76 (102), Richard Seletswane 64 (100), Juan James 24 (19)
Raj Limbani 3-60 (9), Musheer Khan 2-43 (10), Saumy Pandey 1-38 (10)

India 8-248 (48.5)
Sachin Dhas 96 (95), Uday Saharan 81 (124), Raj Limbani 13* (4)
Kwena Maphaka 3-32 (10), Tristan Luus 3-37 (10), Oliver Whitehead 0-17 (2)