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U-19 World Cup: India takes on South Africa in semis

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India skipper Uday Saharan earlier on Tuesday won the toss and opted to field against South Africa in the Under 19 World Cup semi-final on Tuesday at Willowmoore Park.

The defending champions have been flawless throughout the campaign and are just two steps away from retaining their crown. On the other hand, the hosts have led a solid campaign apart from stumbling during their group-stage encounter against England.

After winning the toss, India skipper Saharan said, "We'll bowl first. There is always something in the morning, and this is a new wicket for us. We were prepared to bowl first as well, we lost the toss a couple of times that's why we have had to always bat. We are completely prepared, the pressure and outside noise doesn't concern us. We want to just execute our plans."

South Africa skipper Juan James said at the time of the toss, "Would have liked to bowl first as well. Just want the boys to go out there and enjoy themselves. We feel confident playing them, we've beaten them twice. One change for us."

Earlier, Indian batter Musheer Khan said that he won't be satisfied till the team wins the tournament.

"I am happy with my performances but I won't be satisfied until we win the World Cup. As far as being the highest run-getter, I don't really want to think about it," Khan said, according to CC.

The 18-year-old added that from the beginning of the tournament, winning the World Cup is the team's main goal.

"Since we started playing the tournament, it was only about winning the World Cup and that's what we are focussing on. I only want to do well for the team and take the results as they come. I have learnt a lot from Sarfaraz - right from how he bats to how he is always thinking about winning the game for his team to how he builds his innings," he added.

He added that his brother Sarfaraz Khan told him before the tournament that "there is no bigger pride than playing for India".

"The first thing he told me [before the U19 World Cup] was that there is no bigger pride than playing for India. He told me to enjoy myself on the field and whenever I get a chance - be it with the bat or ball - you have to pull the team up in any situation and win the game," Musheer added.

India U-19 (Playing XI): Adarsh Singh, Arshin Kulkarni, Priyanshu Moliya, Uday Saharan(c), Sachin Dhas, Musheer Khan, Aravelly Avanish(w), Murugan Abhishek, Raj Limbani, Naman Tiwari, Saumy Pandey

South Africa U19 (Playing XI): Lhuan-dre Pretorius(w), Steve Stolk, David Teeger, Richard Seletswane, Dewan Marais, Juan James(c), Oliver Whitehead, Riley Norton, Tristan Luus, Nqobani Mokoena, Kwena Maphaka.

(ANI)

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