India edged New Zealand by nine runs to enter the finals of the under 19 World Cup played in Australia on Thursday for the fourth time.
A report in The Hindustan Times says that in-form opener Prashant Chopra and Baba Aparajith India register the win.
Chopra hit a patient 52 while Aparajith scored 44 to help India post 209 for nine and then a disciplined bowling effort restricted New Zealand to 200 for nine in the second semi-final at the Tony Ireland Stadium.
Sandeep Sharma, Ravikanth Singh and Harmeet Singh picked up two wickets each, ensuring India’s date with defending champions Australia in the final here Sunday.
“Australia would be tough. It is always difficult to beat them. Having said that, we are really excited to be in the final and can't wait for the Sunday's clash,” Unmukt Chand, the skipper of India was quoted in the report.
The Kiwis were very much in the hunt till the end, needing 48 off the last 30 balls with five wickets in hand. But they could not find the big shot which led to their eventual defeat.
Brief scores: India 209 for 9 (Chopra 52, Aprajit 44, Horne 3-28); New Zealand 200 for 9 (Fletcher 53, Harmeet 2-30).
Meanwhile a report in The Indian Express says that Chand feels that Aparajith and Harmeet Singh are the most important members of the squad after they helped India beat New Zealand.
"Spinners have been bowling consistently well for us. Harmeet was excellent and Aparajith also supported him well. They are the most important players of the team," Chand said.
Chand described that reaching the final is a dream come true for him. “"It feels great (to be in the final). It is a result of great team work. Australia would be tough. Playing Australia in Australia is always difficult,” Chand was quoted in the report.