Australia's Men’s U19 cricket team secured a thrilling victory over Pakistan's Men’s U19 by one wicket in the second semi-final of the Under 19 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 held in Benoni, South Africa, on February 7 (Thursday). With this triumph, Australia are set to face India in the U19 Cricket World Cup 2024 final scheduled for February 11 (Sunday).
After winning the toss, AUS U19 elected to bowl first, and PAK U19 had a shaky start to their innings, losing two early wickets for just 27 runs within the first 10 overs. Australia’s Tom Straker claimed the first wicket for his team by dismissing Shamyl Hussain. Straker continued his impressive form, taking wickets at regular intervals with support from other bowlers.
Pakistan's number three batter, Azan Awais, attempted to stabilise the innings but was eventually dismissed by Straker after scoring 52 runs. Arafat Minhas also made an effort to revive Pakistan's innings but lacked support from the rest of the team, eventually getting out for 52 runs. Pakistan's innings concluded at 179-10 in 48.5 overs.
Although it seemed like an achievable target for AUS U19, the disciplined performance of the Pakistan bowlers, notably Ali Raza, made the chase challenging. Despite Australian opener Harry Dixon scoring 50 runs and middle-order batsman Oliver Peake contributing 49 runs, Australia found themselves in a tricky situation during the chase.
Australia U19 Edge Past Pakistan U19 In Thrilling Final Over
In an intense final over, Australia required only three runs with just one wicket in hand to secure victory owing to the remarkable efforts of Pakistan’s Ali Raza, who claimed two wickets without conceding a run in the 46th over. Facing Mohammad Zeeshan, Australia's Raf MacMillan aimed to guide the ball through the off-side with a good length delivery just outside off. However, MacMillan could only manage a thick inside edge. Adding to the drama, Pakistan had to bring an additional fielder inside the ring due to a slow over-rate, resulting in the fine leg fielder moving closer, ultimately becoming a pivotal factor. Despite a valiant attempt to chase the ball, the fielder couldn't reach it in time, allowing the ball to cross the boundary and resulting Australia to secure a thrilling victory.
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Australia have reached the final of the Under 19 World Cup for the first time since the 2018 edition of the global event. In the 2018 final, they encountered India, led by Prithvi Shaw, and suffered a defeat by 8 wickets.