Rahul Dravid acknowledges his side’s win in U-19 World Cup semis; says “one more step” remains

India Under-19s defeated Sri Lanka by 97 runs to enter the tournament final.

After a few gruelling weeks in Bangladesh, the ICC Under 19 World Cup 2016 heads towards its closing stages. On Tuesday, the Rahul Dravid-coached India side defeated Sri Lanka in the semi-final to enter the final. This Sunday, the Ishan Kishan-led side will hope to repeat the feat of what Unmukt Chand’s men achieved in 2012 and Virat Kohli’s men did in 2008.

Winning the toss, Sri Lanka chose to bowl first at Mirpur but despite early hiccups India finished with 267 from their 50 overs. Anmolpreet Singh top scored with 72 and received good support from Sarfaraz Khan (59) and Washington Sunder (43). Opening bowler Asitha Fernando took 4 for 43.

Indian bowlers who have impressed in this tournament came hard at the opponents and bowled the Lankans out for 170. Left-arm spinner Mayank Dagar claimed figures of 3 for 21, whereas pacer Avesh Khan was again impressive with 2 for 41 from his nine overs. The team effort saw India sail to final where they will either meet host nation Bangladesh or West Indies.

Dravid has received a lot of accolades for successfully coaching the young side and the elated coach took to Facebook to express his glee after the win. He posted:

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