Indian captain Uday Saharan did not play flashy shots to counterattack like Sachin Dhas. He focused on taking the game deep and that’s what he did by leading his side to the doorstep of victory against South Africa in the Under-19 World Cup 2024 semifinal. South African bowlers posed a challenge when they reduced India to 32/4 early in the run chase. But Saharan played with patience to steady the ship. After a match-winning 81-run knock, the skipper revealed the conversation with Dhas during the record-breaking fifth-wicket partnership.
“We were well behind at one point. Kept saying one thing that we have to bat till the end. Was a matter of one partnership,” Saharan said in the post-match presentation.
While Dhas attacked and kept the required run rate well within India’s grasp, Saharan played the waiting gap and did not look troubled by their frontline pacers Kwena Maphaka and Tristan Luus. He credited his father for his ability to the take the game deep.
“I get that from my dad. When I walked into bat, ball was nipping a bit, and there was good bounce. Later it started coming onto the bat better,” he said.
Saharan during his knock also cheered for his teammates when they played a good shot. Often, he hugged them and talked to them between overs.
“We don't let the morale get low in the dressing room at all - our environment and coaches are superb. Great feeling to reach the final. Got a taste of close games,” he concluded.
Saharan's 81 off 124 balls featured six fours. He got run out on the fourth ball of the penultimate over. India needed one run from nine balls. Raj Limbani did not let South Africa make a late comeback and finished the run chase with a boundary to lead India to a two-wicket win.
The partnership of 181 runs he shared with Dhas is the highest for the fifth wicket in the tournament's history. Dhas scored 96 runs from 95 balls including 11 fours and a six.
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