Australia defeated Pakistan by one wicket in the second semifinal
2024.02.09
Australia will now take on India in the final showdown of the tournament.
Australia defeated Pakistan by one wicket in the second semifinal of the U19 World Cup 2024 at Benoni’s Willowmoore Park on Thursday. With this victory, Australia secured a position in the final match of the cricket spectacular, where they will play India in search of ultimate triumph.
Invited to bat first, Pakistan’s innings did not start well, with Shahzaib Khan failing to make an impression, hitting only four runs off 30 balls before being removed. Shamyl Hussain too fell early, scoring 17 runs off 23 balls. Azan Awais emerged as the innings’ backbone, scoring 52 off 91 balls. However, the side struggled to form big partnerships and lost wickets in the middle overs. Arafat Minhas had a standout effort, scoring 52 off 61 balls, while the other hitters were not as productive. Pakistan scored 179 in 48.5 overs, with the fielders surrendering 20 extras.
Tom Straker emerged as the Aussies’ best bowler, taking 6/24 in 9.5 overs. The bowling assault worked together well, with Mahli Beardman, Callum Vidler, Rafael MacMillan, and Tom Campbell all taking wickets.
Australia’s quest of 180 began methodically, avoiding setbacks in the powerplay. Sam Konstas was dismissed for 14, but Harry Dixon anchored the innings with a calm 50 off 75 balls. Ollie Peake’s vital 49 and Campbell’s 25 laid the groundwork, while MacMillan’s nerve-racking 19 not out sealed the one-wicket triumph. Vidler contributed three runs to Australia’s tight victory, with the fielding side conceding nine extras.
Pakistan’s bowlers battled bravely to protect their small score. Ali Raza’s 4/34 in 10 overs and Minhas’ 2/20 were outstanding efforts. Ubaid Shah and Naveed Ahmed Khan each took one wicket, and Zeeshan bowled cheaply.
@charith
