The Junior Proteas will face their biggest test of the 2024 ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup on Tuesday when they face India in Benoni in the first semi-final.

The Junior Proteas are confident going into the game, but India are the defending champions, while they are the most successful team after winning the Junior World Cup no less than five times.

The Proteas have enjoyed a good run in their home tournament with recent win against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in the Super Sixes, while the also being the West Indies and Scotland in the group phase. Their only defeat was against England.

A concern though is that all of South Africa’s games have been played at the JB Marks Oval in Potchefstroom and adapting to the pitch and conditions in Benoni will be key. By the same token, India, have played all of their game at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein.

The Junior Proteas captain, Juan James, said they are excited and are targeting that perfect performance.

“It's our third semi-final and the first time we've got an opportunity to play one at home, so we're very excited,” said the young allrounder.

“The good thing is that we haven't put together a perfect performance yet, so we hope that it's going to come in the next few days.

James added that the support in Potchefstroom was wonderful and it meant a lot to the team, and they are hoping for more of the same in Benoni.

“It was special to play in Potchefstroom and the crowd there came out to support us, so we hope they come out for the game here in Benoni.”

Play at Willowmoore Park is scheduled to start at 10:00. On Wednesday, Pakistan will face Australia in the second semi-final.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport