Sachin Dhas made the difference in the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2024 semifinal against South Africa, scoring 96. The Indian youngster accepted that he and his India captain Uday Saharan never lost belief.
Things looked bleak for the reigning champions when South Africa’s potent pace attack reduced India to 32/4 in reply to the Proteas’ healthy total of 244/7, but Saharan and Dhas stayed composed to combine for a 171-run stand that helped put their side in sight of victory during the epic Benoni clash.
While Sachin blazed away to a 95-ball 96, Uday anchored the innings with an 81 off 124 deliveries to help India recover from a hopeless situation.
India reached their ninth U-19 World Cup final with a thrilling two-wicket win over South Africa on Tuesday.
“The plan was to bat till the end. We had the belief that we could take it all the way. But it’s fine (as we couldn’t complete the chase), but we won that match and that’s what matters. I was telling Uday that we would play till the end,” Sachin said at the post-match press conference.
“We thought we would take our time, pace our innings, and understand the opposition bowling attack. Always the conversation between us was to bat as long as possible so that we could manoeuvre the game.”
“South Africa were bowling well. So it was a bit tough. But Uday and I had to believe, and we thought that one big partnership could win us the game.”
Asked about the tri-series here before the World Cup, Sachin said, “That tournament (in South Africa before World Cup) helped us a lot. We got used to the pitch, the weather and the conditions here. We got good practice, we bonded well. Our batters showed good form, so that series really helped.
“Uday has also batted well throughout the tournament. Also, he backed me throughout our partnership, he kept on encouraging that we have to do it and that we can do it. So all credit goes to Uday.”
Title contenders India had it quite easy until the semifinals, winning all their matches without much ado.
“Last time too, we were the champions and we will try to play good cricket and win the tournament. The belief in the team is very strong.”
“It’s not about making a statement. But I feel teams by now must have known that we can do well both while batting first and while chasing,” Sachin said.
Prevailing in a close match was something that would only help benefit the team in the summit showdown, where they would meet either Australia or Pakistan on Sunday.
(With inputs from Agencies)
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