ICC U19 World Cup: Australia beat Pakistan, set up showdown with India in rematch of senior final
Australia defeated Pakistan by one wicket in a last-over thriller after chasing down a 180-run target in the final over of the second semifinal of the ICC Men’s U19 World Cup 2024.
With this one-wicket win over Pakistan, Australia have set up a final clash against India in a rematch of senior World Cup 2023 Final.
Australian U19 team successfully chase down a target of 180 runs in the final over after Pakistan were bowled out for 179 in their first innings. Chasing 180 for the win, Australia got off to a good start, losing no wickets in the powerplay. However, Pakistan made an early breakthrough as Australia opener Sam Konstas departed for fourteen.
Harry Dixon held the innings together with a 50 off 75 balls while Ollie Peake scored an incredible 49 from 75 balls and Tom Campbell scored 25 off 42. The Australians lost their way at the end, but vice-captain Rafael MacMillan held his nerve with 19* off 29 balls and scored the winning runs in the end. Vidler contributed 3* off 9 balls and held on till the conclusion. The fielding side gave 9 extras as Australia got over the line by the barest of margins.
The young Australian side showed remarkable composure under pressure, reminiscent of the senior team’s poise in high-stakes matches. Their win not only secures them a spot in the final but also sets up a thrilling encounter with India, echoing the rivalry witnessed in the senior teams’ finals.
Pakistan’s early batting collapse proved costly, despite the team’s historical success in the tournament, having won the U19 World Cup twice before, in 2004 and 2006. On the other hand, Australia’s U19 team has been striving to replicate the success of their senior counterparts, who have a dominant record against Pakistan in both ODI and Test cricket, with 70 wins in 108 ODIs and 37 victories in 72 Test matches.
As the U19 World Cup draws to a close, with the final scheduled to take place just days before the tournament’s end on February 11th, all eyes will be on the young talents from Australia and India. The showdown promises to be a showcase of the future stars of cricket, as they battle it out for the prestigious title on South African soil.