In Cricket, defending Champions India stormed into their second successive finals of the Under-19 World Cup after thrashing Pakistan by 10 wickets in the first semifinals in Potchefstroom, South Africa this evening.

Four-time champions India produced a superlative allround display as they first dismissed Pakistan for 172 in 43.1 overs and then returned to overhaul the target with consummate ease, scoring 176 for no loss in 35.2 overs.

Chasing the target, openers Yashasvi Jaiswal (105) and Divyaansh Saxena (59) displayed great maturity as the duo mixed caution with aggression and did not allow their rivals any chance to make a comeback in the match. Jaiswal, who currently tops the run-getter list with 306 runs in the tournament, smashed eight fours and four sixes in his 112-ball innings, while Saxena had six boundaries to his name. Jaiswal was declared the Player of the match.

Pakistan’s Captain Rohail Nazir top scored 62. Haider Ali made 56.

For India, Sushant Mishra took three wickets and Kartik Tyagi and Ravi Bishnoi claimed two wickets each. A.V. Ankolekar and Y.B.K. Jaiswal bagged one-one.

The final will be played on Sunday. India will face the winner of the Bangladesh-New Zealand match scheduled on Thursday.