Australia’s exceptional U19 cricket team secured victory in the World Cup final against India after beating Pakistan in semi-final of the ICC U19 World Cup Benoni, South Africa.
The talented squad, led by Hugh Weibgen, claimed the U19 World Cup title with a convincing 79-run triumph over reigning champions India.
In a dominating performance, Australia posted a challenging 253 runs for the loss of seven wickets in their 50 overs.
Ferocious fast bowlers coupled with strategic spinner Raf MacMillan dismantled India’s previously unbeaten side, restricting them to 174 runs in 43.5 overs at Willowmoore Park.
Player of the final, Mahli Beardman, played a crucial role with his impressive bowling figures of 3-15 off seven overs.
This victory marked the fourth time an Australian U19 team has clinched the prestigious title, the last being in 2010.
The success stemmed from a well-executed strategy, as the decision to field all four promising quicks paid off handsomely. Skipper Weibgen (48) and opener Harry Dixon (42) provided a strong start for Australia.
The ICC.com called opener Harry Dixon, reminiscent of a young David Warner, wasted no time in establishing dominance, smashing Naman Tiwari for two fours and a swivelled pull for six in just the second over, setting a fiery tempo for the innings.
Despite the initial onslaught, it says Raj Limbani managed to break through the defense of Sam Konstas, providing India with a crucial wicket.
Although the introduction of spin momentarily slowed the scoring rate, it failed to yield wickets, prompting India to return to pace.
Tiwari capitalized on this shift, inducing a miscue from Weibgen, who departed for 48. In the same over, Tiwari coaxed Dixon into a skyward lob, securing two quick wickets for India.
The Australian innings found stability in the form of Harjas Singh, who, along with Ryan Hicks, anchored the team. Despite a brief setback when Hicks fell to Limbani, Harjas showcased resilience, achieving his first half-century in the tournament.
India’s attempt to curtail the Australian progress saw Saumy Pandey trapping Harjas in front for 55, providing a significant breakthrough.
Musheer Khan added to the pressure, claiming the wicket of Raf MacMillan, as Australia slipped from 165/3 to 187/6.
Ollie Peake and Charlie Anderson then steered the innings, with Limbani securing his third wicket by dismissing Anderson in the 46th over. Peake’s unbeaten 46 propelled Australia to a final total of 253, marking the highest score in an U19 Men’s CWC final.
Facing a challenging target against Australia’s formidable pace attack, India struggled from the outset. Callum Vidler claimed the first wicket by dismissing Arshin Kulkarni, setting a defensive tone for India. Despite glimpses of promise from Musheer Khan, Mahli Beardman’s introduction brought a breakthrough, exposing a gap in the batter’s defense.
India’s situation worsened as skipper Uday Saharan fell to Beardman, followed by the in-form Sachin Dhas departing to MacMillan’s first ball. Adarsh Singh attempted to stabilize the innings, but Beardman’s persistence paid off, claiming the crucial wicket.
With resistance crumbling, Murugan Abhishek provided some late fireworks, but Australia’s effective bowling unit, led by Beardman’s match-winning spell of three for 15 from seven overs, proved insurmountable. India was bowled out for 174, conceding victory to an Australian team that saved their best for the tournament’s final showdown.
