Bloemfontein, Feb 2 (UNI) After being rattled early in their innings, which included a sequence of losing two wickets in the space of three balls, India regained control on the back of a fighting stand between skipper Uday Saharan and Sachin Dhas.
A 215-run stand between the duo helped India rebuild and march towards a strong total. This was the highest stand for India at the U19 Cricket World Cup.
Both batsmen hit their centuries, and India finished at 297/5.
India have one foot in the semifinals and would like to sign off the Super Six stage with a statement win.
The Rhinos are out of contention but would like to show their prowess by matching up against a strong India lineup.
At Kimberley, the Wesy Indies boys backed their skipper’s call with exceptional work early in the innings. Australia had lost five wickets by 87, including key batters such as Harry Dixon and captain Hugh Weibgen.
A classy knock from Sam Konstas to help Australia get back on their feet. He added 89 along with Raf MacMillan, before the latter was brilliantly caught by Stephan Pascal at point. Konstas’ kept going from his end, and managed a hundred. His efforts helped Australia to 227.
A win today would ensure that Australia top Group 2 of the Super Six stage, thus taking on the number two contender from Group 1. West Indies would need to be at their very best, taking inspiration from their success against England and Sri Lanka, to upend a charged-up Australia.
At Potchefstroom, South Africa openers took off in their usual aggressive fashion. However, disciplined Lankans fought back in the field. Backed by two sharp run outs, they snatched the initiative away from South Africa. Lhuan dre-Pretorius departed for 71, after having given the Young Proteas the perfect start.
Back-to-back wickets in the 25th and 26th over, put the hosts in dire straits. It was the tailenders who put the young Proteas innings back on track. Almost 100 runs were added in the last 24 overs, with the innings ending at 232/8. With this, the South Africa bowlers had something to bowl at.
Sri Lanka will have to contend with South Africa’s blazing form with bat, and overcome their own stutters in the field if they are to keep their U19 World Cup campaign alive. While Dinura Kalupahana, Vishwa Lahiru and Malsha Tharupathi have shined for the island nation, the side would hope others also put up their hands at this crucial stage in the tournament.
