India outclass Nepal to confirm their semi-final berth

Sachin Dhas and Udaya Saharan’s centuries were followed by a clinical bowling performance led by Saumy Pandey’s four-wicket haul as India mauled Nepal by 132 runs to confirm their semi-final berth in the ICC Men’s Under-19 World Cup 2024 on Friday at Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein.

Sachin’s 101-ball 116 included 11 fours and 3 sixes whilst Udaya slammed 9 fours for his 100 off 107 balls as they powered India to 297/5 in 50 overs. Opting to bat, India lost three wickets for 62 runs in 13 overs before two centurions added 215 for the fourth wicket, which is the highest-ever partnership for the following wicket in the Under-19 World Cup history.

Gulshan Jha took three wickets, giving away 56 runs in his 10 overs. Akash Chand, despite being gone for 65 runs in 9 overs, chipped in with a wicket.

Nepal were flattered for 77-7 in 28 overs after a 48-run opening stand. Arjun Kumal (26) and Deepak Bohara (22) fell only two runs short of the half-century opening stand. Nepal lost five wickets for 12 runs between the 21st to 28th overs to dig them under the non-recoverable trouble.

Nepal were falling apart in a blink but Durgesh Gupta and Akash Chand remained unbeaten with 45 runs for the last wicket as the losing side batted a full 50 overs, putting 165 runs on the board. Durgesh slammed two fours and a six for his 43-ball 29*. Akash knocked around 35 balls for his 18. Dev Khanal top-scored for Nepal with 33 off 53 balls. He drove for two fours before dragging a ball into the stump while trying to cut it behind the wicket.

Saumy returned the match-winning figures of 4-29 in 10 overs.