Townsville (Australia), Aug.23 (ANI): India beat New Zealand in the Under-19 World Cup semi-final here on Thursday, and will now face Australia in Sunday's final.

India last entered the final of the Under-19 World Cup in 2008 under the leadership of Virat Kohli, and won it.

On Thursday, India beat New Zealand by nine runs. While India scored 209 for nine, New Zealand scored 200 for nine in their allotted overs.

Having disappointed for most of the World Cup, India's batting unit turned in a much-improved performance in the semi-final against New Zealand, while their bowlers continued their impressive form to set up a summit clash against Australia on Sunday.

The top order set up a solid base after New Zealand chose to bowl, and despite a middle-order slump, India were able to get past 200, a total that has been difficult to chase at Tony Ireland Stadium.

New Zealand fought hard, though, consolidating after losing top-order wickets in a clutch, and steered themselves to a position from where they could launch an assault at the end, much like they did in the quarter-final against West Indies.

They were, however, not allowed to. All the Indian bowlers held their own.

New Zealand lost wickets in the search for momentum, and the gap between runs needed and balls remaining stayed wide enough to see India through.

New Zealand needed 18 off the last over, and got eight. ( ANI)