The finalist of the U19 World Cup has been decided and it will once again be an India vs Australia classic. However, it has only happened due to an amazing semi-final match between Australia U19 and Pakistan U19 team. The match did not start well for the Pakistan U19 team as they were bowled out for a modest total of 179 by the Australians with only Azan Awais and Arafat Minhas making some vital contributions. The Australian bowlers had destroyed the Pakistan batting lineup with Tom Straker being the best bowler with wonderful figures of 6/24 with a great display of variations and pace making it difficult for the Pakistan batters.
What seemed like it should be an easy chase for the Aussies, turned out to be even tougher for the Australians, where they were also reeling at 59-4 at one stage. The contributions from opener Harry Dixon and Oliver Peake did make sure Australia U19 were in the chase, but they were surprised again with the second spell from the 15-year-old Ali Raza and Arafat Minhas with his off-spinners. It all seemed to go Pakistan’s way with only 1 wicket left and 16 runs to get. However, Raf Macmillan made sure with his cameo of 19 from 29 deliveries that he got his team over the line and got the winning runs. The Australia U19 team won the game by 1 wicket and will be facing the India U19 team in the finals.
The day for the bowlers
It was the day for the bowlers in this low-scoring thriller where Straker started the proceedings with his amazing 6-wicket haul that got the Pakistan U19 team in trouble straight away. For Pakistan, it was the young Ali Raza who got his team back in the game with his spell of 4/34 in 10 overs. This was the game-changing spell that kept Pakistan in front before Macmillan kept his nerves and got his team over the line. It was comfortably a day where the batters completely struggled to get going at all and there were no big scores that were challenging the bowlers.
This was one of the best games you could ever witness in a U19 World Cup where both the teams were in the game. This was a battle of nerves and each team needed to battle it out. Both Australia and Pakistan were neck and neck in the match, it was just those last few instances that the Aussies took advantage of and won the game. We have given it to both the teams for putting on a great show on the field, especially for a domestic tournament. We do not get a lot of games like this where we see both teams giving it, they’re all despite the circumstances that went against them.
Here’s how the fans have reacted-
We were so close ??
— Sami Shahzad (@Samishahzad111) February 8, 2024
I wanna see India pakistan final?
— Nimi Tweets (@Nimzzzz327) February 8, 2024
Good to see them like this.?
— ?? ???? ??? (@JaiShreeRam90) February 8, 2024
feel sad for pak
they compete really well— Messi Fan (@George_leo453) February 8, 2024
The better team won.
— Shweta (@TrustScore_1) February 8, 2024
Kitne Bhi Ro Lo Pakistaniyo ??
India?? Ke Sath Chale They Final Khelne
Sapna Toota
Mauka mauka…. ???
Aur Ab Sab Log Bolo australia??? Ne Pakistan?? Ko Thoka Thoka— Ajay Gautam (@gautam_ajay007) February 8, 2024
16 runs made by last wkt, they lost the match mentally!
Poor bowling— Dr. Maulik Modi (@iamthemaulik) February 8, 2024
What match ?? uh have to admitted
— Nimi Tweets (@Nimzzzz327) February 8, 2024
