Benoni, South Africa

Australia have booked their place in the final of the ongoing U19 World Cup in South Africa after overcoming the challenge of Pakistan in a tight contest at Willowmoore Park in Benoni. The contest played on Thursday (Feb 8) saw Australia beat former champions Pakistan by one wicket after Tom Straker ran riot with figures of 24/6. The win for Australia also means that they will face India in Sunday’s final in a repeat of the ODI World Cup.

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Australia book U19 World Cup berth

Having opted to bowl first, Australia were chasing a total of 180 runs to seal a place in the final of the U19 World Cup after bowling out Pakistan for 179. However, their chase did not have the best starts and were 59/4, opening the rear gates for Pakistan to make a comeback. The situation soon became more tricky for the Aussies as they went from 146/5 to 164/9, losing wickets at regular intervals. Ali Raza was the main culprit for Australia’s downfall having ended with figures of 34/4.

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Raza got the important wicket of Oliver Peake on 49 which paved for Pakistan’s comeback with 15 runs still needed for the final wicket to get Australia home. Raf MacMillan played a crucial role in getting the job done as he scored an unbeaten 19 and was supported by last man Callum Vidler (2). Harry Dixon was the top scorer for Australia with 50 before the collapse began.

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Earlier, Tom Straker’s lethal spell saw Australia restrict Pakistan to 179 with the bowler producing best figures in a semifinal contest of the U19 World Cup. Azan Awais and Arafat Minhas both scored 52 runs each with Shamyl Hussain (17) being the only other batter to get into double figures for Pakistan.

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Australia will now face India in the final on Sunday in a repeat of the 2012 and 2018 final where the latter has emerged victorious on both occasions. India will be targeting their sixth title while Australia will look to win their fourth title. The Aussies last won the U19 World Cup title in 2010.

If Australia win the U19 World Cup and the T20 World Cup later in June, they could become the first team to hold both the titles and ODI World Cup and World Test Championship (WTC) at the same time.