Team India's remarkable 2-wicket victory over South Africa in the first semi-final of the Under-19 World Cup helped the reigning champions secure their spot in the ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup 2024 Final. With an unbeaten streak throughout the U19 World Cup 2024 tournament, Uday Saharan-led India is set to compete in the ICC Men's Under-19 World Cup Final for a record-extending ninth time. The summit clash is scheduled for Sunday (February 11) at the Sahara Park Willowmoore Cricket Stadium, Benoni, South Africa.
As the jubilant Indian players celebrated their victory, their distraught South African counterparts struggled to contain their emotions, with some visibly in tears.
Amidst India's celebrations, their captain Uday Saharan's sportsmanship shone through as he shook hands and hugged his South African counterpart, Juan James, in a gesture of respect and acknowledgment after the intense semi-final battle between the two teams.
Watch below viral picture of India U19 captain Uday Saharan consoling South Africa U19 captain after WC Semifinal win
India U19 Team Qualifies For ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup 2024 Final
Fueled by valiant half-centuries from Sachin Dhas (96) and captain Uday Saharan (81), India chased down South Africa's target of 245 runs. The record-breaking 171-run partnership between Dhas and Saharan for the fifth wicket led reigning champions India to secure their spot in the U19 World Cup final for the fifth consecutive time and ninth overall.
The Indian U19 cricket team has won five Under-19 World Cup titles to date. Their journey began with the inaugural win in 2000, and most recently, they triumphed in 2022. As India qualifies for the ICC Men's U19 World Cup 2024 Final match on Sunday, the 'Boys in Blue' stand on the brink of achieving a sixth victory.