News by “Sana Ullah“
In a nail-biting encounter, Australia clinched victory over Pakistan by the narrowest of margins to secure a spot in the 2024 U19 World Cup final against India on February 11th.
A captivating chase unfolded as Pakistan rallied behind Ali Raza and Arafat Minhas. However, Australia managed to eke out a win against Pakistan in a tightly contested battle.
Harry Dixon and Sam Konstas laid a solid foundation for Australia’s chase of 180 runs. The duo notched up 33 runs during the initial Powerplay. Nonetheless, Pakistan’s Ali Raza struck early in the second Powerplay, sending Konstas’ off-stump flying with a well-directed delivery.
Pakistan found a stroke of luck in the 14th over when Hugh Weibgen’s mistimed shot off Naveed Khan found Haroon Arshad’s hands at cover. The momentum continued to swing as a mix-up led to the run-out of Harjas Singh in the 16th over, followed by Ryan Hicks falling victim to Ubaid Shah’s delivery in the next over.
Dixon and Ollie Peake then steadied the Australian innings with composed batting. Their partnership injected positivity into Australia’s chase, bringing them back on course.
Dixon reached his fifty in the 24th over, but his dismissal by Arafat Minhas added pressure on Australia. Minhas bowled with precision, increasing Australia’s required run rate.
The arrival of Tom Campbell brought a left-right batting combination, and he, along with Peake, continued the steady progress towards the target.
Pakistan fought back fiercely, with Minhas dismissing Campbell for 25 in the 39th over. Then, Raza claimed the crucial wicket of Oliver Peake for 49, setting up a tense finish.
Raza’s double strike in the final over brought Pakistan within touching distance of victory. However, MacMillan’s composed innings (19*) guided Australia across the finish line in the last over.
