ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup: All-round India defeats South Africa in their first match

India wins their first match in the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup by 45 runs against South Africa. Captain Yash Dhull top scored with 82.

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Koushik Biswas
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India U-19 team defeated South Africa U-19 team in their first match in ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup 2022. South Africa U-19 team won the toss and decided to bowl first. India had managed to score only 223 in 46.5 overs. However, a tidy performance from the spinners made sure they had the last laugh at Providence Stadium.

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India U-19's inning

The boys in blue could not manage a good start as both the openers went to the dressing within the first six overs of the match. India were 11/2 after 5.1 overs. Harnoor and Raghuvanshi only added 1 and 5 respectively to the total.

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Then it was the captain of the Indian team and his deputy who pulled India out of the misery. Shaikh Rasheed and captain Yash Dhull made a partnership of 61 runs to steady the ship a bit. Rasheed scored 31 runs off 54 balls. After the departure of his deputy, Yash kept on knocking the ball into the gaps to make sure his team gets to a respectable position.

ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup: All-round India defeats South Africa in their first match | Cricket News | Sportz Point

Indian U-19 captain Yash Dhull in action. Image tweeted by ICC.

Along with all-rounders Nishant Sindhu, Kaushal Tambe and Raja Bawa, Yash took the score Indian score to 223. Kaushal made a valuable 35 runs off 44 balls. Yash was unfortunately run out on 82. It was his effort with the lower middle order that gave the Indian confidence to knock off the South African team.

South Africa U-19'S inning

South African inning also started like a misery as opener Cunningham misjudged an incoming ball from fats bowler Hangarkekar. Hangarkekar's pace was there to see. However, South Africa seemed to consolidate a bit with "Baby-AB" Dewald Brevis at the crease.

Brevis looked fearless from the go just like his idol AB de Villiers. Although, Indian spinners Nishant and Vicky Ostwal kept things tidy from both ends. As the dots ball kept on increasing the South African team panicked a bit. In addition, the spinners managed to take the required run-rate to 6 per over.

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Meanwhile, Brevis kept on playing some free following shots. A few sixes over the side screen certainly made some pundits go wow. However, he did not get much support from the other end. As the spinners were bowled out, captain Dhull turned on to his pacers. Raj Bawa, who went for 17 in his first over was brought back.

Raj gave India the much-needed breakthrough as dangerous Brevis was sent back to the pavilion. Dhull took an outstanding catch to remove the last hope of the South African team. Then, it was Vicky Ostwal who ran through the opponent team with the left-arm orthodox.

Vicky finished the game with a bowling figure of 10-28-5. Meanwhile, Raj finished with 6.4-47-4. South Africa was all out for 187. With this win, India goes to the top of the table in Group B. India's next match in ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup is against Ireland on 19th January.

Bcci Indian Cricket Team Ab De Villiers Icc U 19 World Cup