India captain Uday Saharan said on Tuesday that emerging winners through a close match against South Africa in the semifinals will benefit his team to a good extent in the ICC U-19 World Cup title clash on Sunday. (As It Happened | More Cricket News)
ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2024: India Captain Uday Saharan Savouring 'Taste Of Close Games' Ahead Of Final
India beat South Africa in the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2024 semi-finals, with captain Uday Saharan putting in a mature performance with the bat
India, who had a smooth sailing in the tournament until now, had to fight till the end to defeat South Africa by two wickets in the last-four clash to set up a final match either against Pakistan or Australia on Sunday.
"It is a great feeling to reach the final. We got a taste of close games, and that will be good in the final. We don't let the morale get low in the dressing room at all -- our environment and coaches are superb," Saharan, who was later adjudged man of the match, told the host broadcaster.
Saharan (81) and Sachin Dhas (96) shared a brilliant 171-run alliance for the fifth wicket to rescue India from a precarious 32 for four while chasing 245.
The elegant right-hander said they were not under pressure at any point.
"Yes, we were well behind at one point. But we kept saying that we have to bat till the end. It was a matter of one partnership," he added.
Saharan said the pitch became easier to bat during India's innings.
"When I walked in to bat, the ball was nipping a bit, and there was a good bounce. But later it (ball) started coming onto the bat better," he noted.
South African captain Juan James admitted that they struggled to break the partnership between Dhas and Saharan.
"When they were batting, when we had them four down, Uday and Sachin batted really well. That's something we've struggled with the whole tournament (breaking partnerships). But we never gave up," said James.
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