Junior Proteas will face their biggest test of the 2024 ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup on Tuesday when they take on India in Benoni in the first semi-final.
Junior Proteas will go into the match with confidence, but India are the defending champions and the most successful team, having won more than five Junior World Cups.
The Proteas have performed well in their home tournaments, recently winning against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in the Super Six, as well as defeating West Indies and Scotland in the group phase. Their only defeat was against England.
The concern, however, is that all of South Africa's matches are played at JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom, so adapting to Benoni's pitch and conditions will be key. Similarly, India played all their matches at Mangan Oval in Bloemfontein.
Junior Proteas captain Juan James said they were excited and targeting that perfect performance.
“This is my third time in the semi-finals and the first time I have had the opportunity to play at home, so I am very excited,” said the young all-rounder.
“The good thing is that we haven’t put together a perfect performance yet, so I hope we can get that in the next few days.
James added that Potchefstroom's support has been great and means a lot to the team and he expects similar support from Benoni.
“Playing in Potchefstroom was special and the local crowd came to support us so I hope they will come to the game here in Benoni.”
Play at Willowmoor Park is scheduled to begin at 10:00. Pakistan will play Australia in the second semi-final on Wednesday.
Morgan Pike OFM Sports