India continued their unbeaten run in the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2024, crushing Nepal by a massive 132 runs in their final Super Six encounter at the Mangaung Oval, Bloemfontein on February 2nd. This dominant victory secured their spot in the tournament’s semi-finals, setting them up for a potential title tilt.
India Bat First, Post Imposing 297/5:
Winning the toss, India opted to bat first and got off to a solid start with openers Uday Saharan (105) and Angad Virk (37) laying a strong foundation.
Skipper Saharan anchored the innings with a patient century, while Musheer Khan (126) provided the middle-order impetus with his second hundred in three matches.
Sachin Dhas (102*) joined the run-scoring party late with a quickfire century, taking India to a formidable total of 297/5 in their 50 overs.
Nepal’s Fightback Falls Short:
Chasing a challenging target, Nepal started steadily with openers Arjun Bhandari (32) and Akash Thapaliya (26) showing some resistance.
However, the introduction of left-arm spinner Saumy Pandey (4/19) proved decisive. He ripped through the middle order, claiming crucial wickets at regular intervals.
Despite valiant efforts from captain Dipendra Airee (49) and Krishna Kant Shukla (34), Nepal’s chase faltered, and they were bundled out for 165 in 46.2 overs.
Key Performers:
India:
Uday Saharan (105): Provided stability at the top with a well-constructed century.
Musheer Khan (126): Continued his red-hot form with another dominant hundred.
Saumy Pandey (4/19): Wrecked the Nepalese batting with his accurate spin bowling.
Nepal:
Dipendra Airee (49): Showed fighting spirit with a defiant half-century.
Krishna Kant Shukla (34): Played a valuable cameo down the order.
Match Summary:
This comprehensive victory showcased India’s well-rounded performance. Their strong batting display, featuring three individual hundreds, set the tone, while their disciplined bowling attack restricted Nepal effectively. Nepal, despite showing glimpses of potential, couldn’t handle the pressure of chasing a big total.
Looking Ahead:
With this win, India has entered the tournament’s semi-finals on a high note. They will be brimming with confidence and will look to continue their winning streak in the knockout stages. Nepal, on the other hand, will be disappointed with the result but can take heart from their fighting spirit and individual performances.
Beyond the Scorecard:
This match was a historic one for Nepal, marking their first appearance in the Super Six stage of the U-19 World Cup. Despite the defeat, they gained valuable experience and exposure at the highest level.
The tournament has witnessed the emergence of several young talents, with both India and Nepal boasting exciting prospects for the future.
The excitement is building as the tournament progresses towards the crucial knockout stages. All eyes will be on India to see if they can maintain their dominance and lift the coveted trophy.
