U-19 World Cup: Looking at India's unbeaten journey to fifth straight final

India U-19 skipper Uday Saharan, along with Sachin Dhas, showcased sublime batting to guide their side to their fifth consecutive World Cup final. The two players were instrumental with the bat as India scripted a nail-biting two-wicket victory over South Africa in the semi-final. India faced early jitters after their top order was blown away by the South African bowling attack but Uday and Sachin were excellent under pressure. South Africa were left to lament the 26 extras they conceded as India won the match with seven balls to spare.

Here is how India made it to the Final of the Under-19 Cricket World Cup:

India took on Bangladesh in their first match of the tournament, where they were placed in Group A alongside the USA and Ireland. India took on the 2020 champions, Bangladesh, at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein. The start was not very confident for India as they were at 31 for 2 after being asked to bat first by Bangladesh. Opener Adarsh Singh and Uday, eventually, propelled India to a competitive total of 251 runs. In response, Bangladesh fell short by 84 runs.

Read | How Uday Saharan and Sachin Dhas helped India beat South Africa

In their next Group Stage match against Ireland, the India U-19 batters were in good form. Musheer Khan and Uday were star performers with the bat, scoring 118 and 75 respectively, guiding India to a solid total of 301. Indian bowlers also did an impressive job as they bowled out Ireland for just 100 runs. Musheer Khan was named Player of the Match.

In their next match against the USA, India batted first once more and posted a mammoth total of 326. The USA struggled, during the run chase, and could only reach 125 runs losing eight wickets in 50 overs.

India took on New Zealand in the Super Six stage. India’s. Musheer Khan was in spectacular form as he smashed 131 runs off 126 balls to power India to 295 runs. In response, the Kiwi batting order collapsed as they were bundled out for just 81 runs.

India took on Nepal in their next Super Six clash. India captain Uday and Sachin Dhas smashed centuries to guide their side to a defendable total of 297 losing five wickets. In response, Nepal could only muster 165/9 in 50 overs.