Australia defeated Pakistan by one wicket in a thrilling U-19 World Cup 2024 semi-final clash on Thursday to seal their berth in the final of the mega event. They will face five-time champions India in a what is expected to be a mouthwatering contest on Sunday.
Similar to India on Tuesday, Australia opted to field first in the second semi-final against Pakistan. Hugh Weibgen’s decision found support from his bowlers, with Tom Straker spearheading the attack by taking six wickets and bowling out Pakistan for a modest total of 179. Straker’s impressive figures of 6/24 set a record as the best performance by a bowler in a U19 World Cup semi-final or final.
In response, Harry Dixon and Sam Konstas provided Australia with a solid start as they began their pursuit of 180 runs. The pair managed to accumulate 33 runs during the first Powerplay. However, Pakistan’s Ali Raza struck back early in the second Powerplay by dislodging Konstas’ off-stump with a delivery that nipped back sharply.
In the 14th over, Pakistan caught a fortunate break when Hugh Weibgen’s full toss off Naveed Khan was caught by Haroon Arshad at cover. The Australian innings suffered further setbacks as a miscommunication led to the run out of Harjas Singh in the 16th over, followed by Ryan Hicks being dismissed after playing onto a delivery from Ubaid Shah in the next over.
Dixon and Ollie Peake then formed a partner-ship to stabilize the Australian innings. Their com-posed approach, coupled with positive strokeplay, helped Australia regain momentum in their chase. Dixon reached his half-century in the 24th over, but his dismissal by Arafat Minhas brought a halt to Australia’s progress, as the left-arm spinner maintained control over the game, causing the asking rate to rise.
The arrival of Tom Campbell provided a left-right batting combination for Australia. Campbell and Peake continued the rebuilding process, inching Australia closer to their target. However, Pakistan’s Minhas delivered a crucial blow by dismissing Campbell for 25 runs in the 39th over, reigniting Pakistan’s hopes and adding a twist to the contest. Ali Raza then joined the party to dismiss Peake and Straker, turning the game into a cliffhanger. However, Raf MacMillan and Callum Vidler held their nerves to guide the team to an thrilling win.
Earlier today, Shahzaib Khan and Shamyl Hussain embarked on their customary steady start, navigating past the initial overs against Australia’s new-ball bowlers. However, the introduction of first-change bowler Tom Straker disrupted their partnership. In the ninth over, Shamyl Hussain attempted a pull shot but ended up being caught by Straker. The following over saw Callum Vidler claiming the crucial wicket of Shahzaib Khan, who, in an attempt to pierce the ball past point, found himself caught by Hugh Weibgen.
Pakistan’s woes deepened during the second Powerplay. Straker secured his second wicket in the 15th over, followed by Raf MacMillan dismissing Ahmad Hassan leg before soon after.—Agencies
