Australia defeated Pakistan by one wicket in an exciting second semi-final on Friday, February 9 at Willowmoore Park, Benoni, to advance to the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2024 final. The Pakistani bowlers showed incredible bravery in defending a modest total of 179, leaving Australia reeling at 164/9 and only 16 runs from victory.
Remaining players Raf MacMillan (19* off 29) and Callum Vidler (2* off 9) reduced the required number of runs to three off the final over, demonstrating their refusal to give up. Pakistan’s right-arm seamer, Muhammad Zeeshan, was assigned to defend two runs. To his dismay, though, MacMillan’s first delivery—which went towards the fine-leg boundary for a four—had an inside edge, dashing Pakistan’s chances of making it to the finals.
Notably, Pakistan failed to finish their 50 overs in time; therefore, they had one additional fielder inside the ring.
If an extra fielder is brought inside the 30-yard circle for any overs that are left to be bowled after the cut-off time, the fielding team will be punished by the ICC (International Cricket Council) for not finishing their overs in the allotted time.
That fielder was brought in for Pakistan from the fine leg, at the exact spot where they gave up the boundary on the opening ball of the final over. They therefore suffered a great deal as a result of not finishing their overs on time, which contributed to their elimination from the competition.
Tom Straker led the U-19 World Cup knockouts in bowling statistics.
Pakistan was bowled out for 179 after being put to bat first, thanks to half-centuries from Arafat Minhas (52 off 61) and Azan Awais (52 off 91). Right-arm seamer Tom Straker shone for Australia with the ball, registering figures of 6/24 in 9.5 overs. Notably, it was also the best bowling performance ever during the U-19 World Cup knockout stages.
In response, Ali Raza scored 4/34 for Pakistan, while Harry Dixon (50 off 75) and Oliver Peake (49 off 75) shone for Australia at the bat. Australia will play India, the five-time champions, in the final on Sunday, February 11 at Willowmoore Park in Benoni, after their exciting victory.
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