South Africa posted 244-7 in the knockout match in Benoni, putting them in prime position to reach the final. India have never successfully chased more than 227 in an U19 World Cup, and were soon reeling at 0-1.

Kwena Maphaka bowled the first over of the chase, with Singh on strike for the first ball. Maphaka banged the first delivery of the innings into the pitch, with the ball exploding out of the surface and reaching Singh at around shoulder height. Singh was surprised by the bounce on the ball, which he tried to defend but got himself into a tangle. His hands were well away from his body as he continued to try and defend the ball with both his feet off the ground. The ball ricocheted off his gloves and flew comfortably through to the keeper.

Maphaka took off immediately with both arms outstretched in celebration, while Singh looked dejected as he walked off. Singh has scored 191 runs for India during the U19 World Cup, with a high score of 76. Maphaka is the leading wicket-taker in the competition, with 19 wickets from six games and an exceptional tournament average of 9.78.

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The early part of the innings went from bad to worse for India as they eventually slipped to 25-3. Tristan Luus removed Musheer Khan with another bouncer in the fourth over, before picking up his second with Arshin Kulkarni in the final over of the powerplay.

The final is set to take place on February 11, with the second semi-final between Australia and Pakistan on February 8.

Watch: India lose opener first ball of their chase in U19 World Cup semi-final

 

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