Aus vs Pak U19 Match Highlights
In a nail-biting encounter at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, Australia booked their place in the 2024 U19 World Cup semi-final with a thrilling victory over arch-rivals Pakistan. Chasing a modest target of 180, the Aussies rode home on the back of a composed chase, securing a five-wicket win.
Scenes at U19 semi final today, fine leg was bought up due overrate and Macmillan got an edge and the ball goes behind fine leg for four. #PAKvAUS #PAKvsAUS #AUSvPAK #AUSvsPAK pic.twitter.com/B4qdT2kd6S
— Taif Rahman (@rightarmpacer) February 8, 2024
Pakistan Batting Woes
Put into bat, Pakistan struggled to build partnerships, losing wickets at regular intervals. Azan Awais (50) and Arafat Minhas (55) showed some resistance, but the Australian bowling attack, led by the sensational Tom Strakers (6/24), never allowed them to dominate. Pakistan were eventually bundled out for 179 in 48.5 overs.
Australia’s Clinical Chase
Australia’s chase started cautiously, with openers Jake Doran (32) and Campbell Kellaway (19) laying a solid foundation. However, a mini-collapse saw them lose three wickets in quick succession. Enter captain Hugh Webersen (48) and Corey Miller (44*), who stitched together a crucial partnership of 79 runs to steady the ship. Despite losing Webersen and Miller later, Joel Davis (24*) and Nathan McCreedy (15*) ensured Australia crossed the line with four balls to spare.
Key Players
Tom Strakers was undoubtedly the star of the show with his six-wicket haul for Pakistan. Azan Awais and Arafat Minhas provided some fightback with their fifties, but it wasn’t enough. For Australia, Hugh Webersen and Corey Miller played crucial knocks, while Joel Davis and Nathan McCreedy saw them home with composed finishes.
Match Summary
This was a low-scoring, tense encounter where both teams fought tooth and nail. Pakistan’s batting faltered, but their bowlers kept them in the game. However, Australia’s more composed batting, particularly in the middle overs, saw them through to a hard-earned victory. They will now face India in the World Cup final.
Additional Points
- This was the fourth time Australia and Pakistan have met in a U19 World Cup semi-final, with Australia winning three out of the four encounters.
- Tom Strakers’ six-wicket haul was the best bowling performance by an Australian bowler in the 2024 U19 World Cup so far.
- This win takes Australia to their fourth U19 World Cup final, where they will aim to win their third title.