The conclusion of the Super Six stage on Saturday has confirmed the four teams heading to the semi-final stages at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024.
Following a Super Six round full of remarkable performances and thrilling climaxes, India, South Africa, Australia and Pakistan progress with their sights firmly set on semi-final success and a chance to lift the trophy.
Tournament hosts South Africa will face off against defending champions India in Willowmoore Park, Benoni on Tuesday 6 February, before Australia take on Pakistan at the same venue, two days later on Thursday 8 February.
India have maintained a perfect record so far and topped their Super Six group thanks to recent wins over Nepal and New Zealand, while South Africa beat Sri Lanka and neighbours Zimbabwe to confirm their semi-final berth.
Australia have also been in sparkling form to date, topping their group and winning all of their encounters to date other than the rain-abandoned fixture against West Indies. They will face a Pakistan side fresh from a dramatic five-run victory over Bangladesh in Saturday’s winner-takes-all matchup.
Ahead of their crunch semi-final, the four captains are looking forward to the prospect of competing against the very best young talented cricketers in the world, and the thought of lifting the silverware in the end.
South Africa captain, Juan James said: “First of all, we are all really proud of making the semi-finals. It’s been something we’ve worked towards for the past six months, so it’s really pleasing to see the hard work paying off. We’ve been really pleased with the way we’ve gone about our business during the last couple of games, however, we still feel like we haven’t put together the complete performance.
“We are really looking forward to the challenge which lays ahead of us facing India in the semi-finals. We have played them a couple of times in preparation for the World Cup, so we know what they bring to the table and hopefully we can use that knowledge to get one over them this time.
“All the boys are really excited and can’t wait to take on the challenge which lies ahead.”
India captain, Uday Saharan said: “I am incredibly proud of my team’s performance that has propelled us to the semi-finals of the Under 19 World Cup. The journey so far has been filled with determination, hard work, and a shared passion for the game. We’ve faced challenges head-on and embraced victories.
“As we stand on the brink of the semi-finals, I see not just a team but a brotherhood of young talents united by the love for cricket and the pride of representing our nation.
“We’ve had notable performances throughout the tournament and are ready to face whatever comes our way heading into the all-important semi-finals. I can assure you that this team will continue this journey with the same enthusiasm and give it our all to get one step closer to that coveted trophy.”
Australia captain, Hugh Weibgen said: “It’s been a fantastic tournament for us so far and we were really pleased to get through both the group and the Super Six stages undefeated.
“The team has shown a lot of skill and maturity to adapt to the local and the tournament conditions so quickly and there has been a lot of really impressive individual performances with bat and ball.
“We can’t wait to take on Pakistan in the semi-final on Thursday.
“They’ve obviously also had a great tournament to get to this stage and we expect them to put up a great contest.”
Pakistan captain, Saad Baig said: “We are really happy to have made it to the semi-finals. The game against Bangladesh was tough but the team didn’t let me down.
“Looking ahead to the Australia game, they are always a tough team to play against and we hope to keep momentum with us into this match.
“I would like to thank all of our fans who are supporting us both here in South Africa and back home in Pakistan.”
Fans wanting to catch a glimpse of the next generation of cricket superstars can do so for free throughout the tournament, and the thrilling action of the U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 will be accompanied by a vibrant festival atmosphere at grounds, with music and entertainment offerings that will ensure a truly memorable experience for all.
Fixtures (all matches to start at 10:00am local time)
Tuesday 6 February:
India v South Africa – Willowmoore Park, Benoni
Thursday 8 February:
Australia v Pakistan – Willowmoore Park, Benoni
Sunday 11 Feburary:
Final – Willowmoore Park, Benoni
(ICC)
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