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Australia edged past Pakistan by one wicket in the second semifinal of the U19 World Cup 2024 at Benoni’s Willowmoore Park on Thursday. With this win, Australia booked a spot in the final showdown of the cricketing extravaganza, where they will face India in quest of ultimate glory.
Pakistan’s sloppy batting display
Invited to bat first, Pakistan’s innings did not commence on a positive note, with Shahzaib Khan struggling to make an impact, scoring just four off 30 balls before being dismissed. Shamyl Hussain also fell early, contributing 17 runs off 23 balls. Azan Awais emerged as the anchor, holding the innings together with a resilient 52 off 91 balls. However, the team faced difficulties in establishing significant partnerships, losing wickets in the middle overs. Arafat Minhas provided a notable performance, scoring 52 off 61 balls, but lacked support from the other batters. Pakistan posted 179 in 48.5 overs, with the fielding side conceding 20 extras.
Tom Straker emerged as the standout bowler for the Aussies, delivering a remarkable performance with figures of 6/24 in 9.5 overs. The bowling attack displayed collective efficiency, with contributions from Mahli Beardman, Callum Vidler, Rafael MacMillan and Tom Campbell, each securing a wicket.
Australia’s remarkable chase
In the pursuit of 180, Australia commenced their chase steadily, avoiding setbacks in the powerplay. Sam Konstas fell for 14, but Harry Dixon anchored the innings with a composed 50 off 75 balls. Ollie Peake‘s valuable 49 and Campbell’s 25 set the stage, while MacMillan’s nerve-wracking 19 not out secured the one-wicket victory. Vidler played a supportive role with three runs as Australia triumphed by the narrowest of margins with nine extras conceded by the fielding side.
Also READ: Interesting facts about Sachin Dhas – The player who guided India to the final of U19 World Cup 2024
Pakistan’s bowlers, defending a modest total, fought valiantly. Ali Raza‘s 4/34 in 10 overs and Minhas’ 2/20 were standout performances. Ubaid Shah and Naveed Ahmed Khan contributed with a wicket each, while Zeeshan bowled economically.
Here is how Twitter reacted:
The best figures in a #U19WorldCup semi-final or final 👊
Take a bow, Tom Straker 🙌#AUSvPAK pic.twitter.com/L4Ss1cEDvO
— ICC Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) February 8, 2024
19th Nov 2023 – India vs Australia Final in World Cup.
11th Feb 2024 – India vs Australia Final again in U-19 World Cup.
– The Blockbuster Final Again.🔥🏆#INDvSA #INDvsSA #AUSvPAK #AUSvsPAK #INDvAUS #INDvsAUS #WorldCup #U19WorldCup2024 #TeamIndia pic.twitter.com/Gtjm676yd5
— Ankita Ujjain royal cricket (@AnkitaUjjain1) February 8, 2024
U-19 World cup 2024 :-
Australia Beat Pakistan in Semi final by 1 Wicket in U-19 World Cup 2024.
– What a brilliant performance by Australia……!!!!!!! pic.twitter.com/koK8OQKYsk
— Jay Cricket. (@Jay_Cricket18) February 8, 2024
Tom Straker's incredible spell in the #U19WorldCup semi-final saw him break Kagiso Rabada's record 💥
More ➡️ https://t.co/mPNHPs7FG6 pic.twitter.com/L9E5B70a6y
— ICC (@ICC) February 9, 2024
TR460-The battle continues with 2 powerhouses of cricket
They bowled really well.When they were batting when we had them four down, Uday and Sachin batted really well- James said
Australia's Tom Straker takes 6/24 against Pakistan
Final : India vs Australia#U19WorldCup2024 pic.twitter.com/5Gw6hX2BMK— Rana Saha (@indranasaha) February 9, 2024
Would've been more happy if Pakistan had made to the finals but ..
It's Australia U19 vs India U19, final.
Will see you too, Aussies!!
💪 https://t.co/AqIUZXjQFG— Am!t Gupta (@AmitGupta_0709) February 8, 2024
My heart goes out to Pakistan & South Africa’s U19 teams over the past couple of days. They fought so hard, & players were in tears at the end. Heartbreaking. But we look forward to India vs Australia (again) in the final. Two best teams #ICCU19CWcfinal2024
— Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) February 8, 2024
Wow,what a semi final in under-19 world cup between Australia vs Pakistan, Aussie young boy beat Pakistan team,now final between Australia vs India on Sunday,senior world cup final also played between India vs Australia,I hope this time India will win.#PAKvsAUS #INDvAUS
— Indrendra Kumar(Bobby) (@KumarIndrendra) February 8, 2024
Australia vs India in U19 Men's ODI World Cup 2024 Finals.
Feel Sad for Pakistan Team! pic.twitter.com/VFuKDbJf70
— Jaya Suriyan (@_jayasuriyan_) February 8, 2024
We have an India vs Australia final once again 👀
The two sides will clash in the #U19WorldCup clash 🇮🇳⚔️🇦🇺
Australia breaking Pakistan hearts once again 🇵🇰💔#India #IndvsAus #PakistanCricket #U19WorldCup #Cricket— ʀᴀᴍ ᴅᴀʏᴀʟ sɪɴɢʜ (@sintu94) February 8, 2024
