Left-arm spinner Saumy Pandey set a new Indian record for the most wickets in a single edition of the men's U-19 World Cup during the final match against Australia in Benoni on February 11. Pandey extended his tally in the Under-19 World Cup held in South Africa to 18 wickets, delivering an economical spell in the final and finishing with figures of 1/41 in his 10 overs. He went on to break Ravi Bishnoi's record, who took 17 wickets in a single edition of the U-19 World Cup.
However, Australia managed to score 253 for seven in their allotted 50 overs on a challenging pitch for batsmen at Willowmoore Park. India faced a daunting task as the highest successful chase in the final of the tournament's history was 242 (achieved by England against New Zealand in 1998 in Johannesburg).
Saumy Pandey reached this milestone by dismissing Australia's Harjas Singh, who posed a threat to India's chances in the crucial middle overs of the U19 World Cup Final.
Saumy Pandey surpassed leg-spinner Ravi Bishnoi's record of 17 wickets from the 2020 -World Cup. Bishnoi, representing Lucknow Super Giants and India, previously held the record for the most wickets by an Indian bowler in a single edition of the men's U19 World Cup until Pandey surpassed it on Sunday. Besides, Pandey, who also serves as the team's vice-captain, boasted the best economy rate among bowlers with at least 10 wickets in the 2024 edition, conceding runs at just 2.68 per over.
MOST WICKETS FOR INDIA IN A U19 WC
Saumy Pandey - 18 - 2024
Ravi Bishnoi - 17 - 2020
Similar to Saumy, Raj Limbani also displayed his skill and accuracy in the final match. The right-arm fast bowler delivered an exceptional performance, leading India's bowling attack with figures of 3 for 38. Limbani provided the crucial early breakthrough for India after Australia elected to bat first on a cloudy morning in Benoni. His beautiful inswinger dismissed Sam Konstas for 0, shattering the stumps. Limbani concluded the tournament with a total of 11 wickets from 6 matches, maintaining an impressive economy rate of 3.64.
The thrill of the finale:
Despite the early dismissal, India faced pressure in the initial 20 overs as opener Harry Dixon and captain Hugh Weibgen built a solid partnership of 78 runs for the second wicket. Dixon and Weibgen played cautiously without taking too many risks, yet effectively rotated the strike to maintain a healthy scoring rate.
However, India's captain, Uday Saharan, made a bold decision by reintroducing left-arm pacer Naman Tiwari into the attack in the 21st over, despite his expensive first over that conceded 15 runs.
Tiwari claimed the crucial wickets of Weibgen (48) and Harry Dixon (42) in consecutive overs. However, Australia had more firepower in reserve, with Harjas Singh, batting at No. 4, achieving his first fifty of the U19 World Cup 2024. He scored 55 runs off 64 balls, including 3 sixes and as many boundaries in an elegant innings.
Left-handed batsman Oliver Peake provided the team with the much-needed late surge, scoring 46 runs off just 43 balls and helping Australia add 66 runs in the final 10 overs.
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