Intro:

Defending champions India reached the final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup on Thursday (23 August) after a thrilling nine-run victory over New Zealand in Townsville, Australia.

Script:

The second semi-final in the Under-19 Cricket World Cup pitted India against New Zealand in Townsville, Australia.

New Zealand won the toss and elected to field - skipper Unmukt Chand was the first India wicket to fall to Connor Neynens.

Chand's fellow opener, Prashant Chopra was on fine form as he recorded a half-century for the defending champions.

Chopra was brilliantly caught by Kiwi captain Will Young for 52 to leave India on 132-2.

Six runs short of his fifty, Baba Aparajith took the bait of a full toss to hand Young a simple catch.

Joe Carter displayed sharp reactions when he caught Hanuma Vihari.

India eventually finished on 209 for nine.

Following Michael Davidson's dismissal for six, New Zealand lost Joe Carter, who was caught by Akshdeep Nath for Ravikant Singh's second wicket.

Robert O'Donell and Cam Fletcher steadied the ship for New Zealand but O'Donnell was eventually caught and bowled by man-of the-match Aparajith for 29.

New Zealand needed 18 runs off seven balls and Ed Nuttal was desperate to make the winning total of 210- too desperate.

A ridiculous run-out effectively ended the chase for New Zealand.

India held firm to win by nine runs and progress to the final of the Under-19 Cricket World Cup against Australia on Sunday.