In the U19 World Cup semi-final clash between Australia and Pakistan in Benoni, Australia emerged victorious in a nail-biting encounter, setting up a final showdown against India. Choosing to chase, much like their semi-final against Pakistan, Australia’s decision was supported by their bowlers, especially Tom Straker, who delivered an outstanding performance with a six-wicket haul, restricting Pakistan to 179. Straker’s figures of 6/24 marked the best performance by a bowler in an U19 World Cup semi-final or final.
Pakistan, despite facing a challenging total, fought back valiantly with Ali Raza (4/34) and Arafat Minhas (2/20) putting up a strong performance. The match went down to the wire, with Pakistan having a chance to win until the last moments. However, Australia, guided by Harry Dixon and Oliver Peake, managed to secure a narrow victory.
The chase for Australia began steadily with contributions from Harry Dixon and Sam Konstas, who added 33 runs in the first Powerplay. However, Ali Raza’s brilliance broke the partnership, sending Konstas back to the pavilion. Despite a series of setbacks, Dixon and Ollie Peake orchestrated a recovery, with Dixon completing his half-century in the 24th over.
A crucial breakthrough for Pakistan came when Minhas dismissed Dixon, but a resilient partnership between Tom Campbell and Peake brought Australia back into contention. The game remained in balance until the final overs, with Raza and Minhas creating tension by taking key wickets. However, Callum Vidler and Raf MacMillan kept their composure, taking Australia into the last over. Unfortunately for Pakistan, a crucial inside-edge from MacMillan sealed the game for Australia, leaving Pakistan heartbroken.
In the first innings, Shahzaib Khan and Shamyl Hussain provided a solid start for Pakistan, overcoming the initial challenges posed by Australia’s new-ball bowlers. However, Tom Straker intervened, breaking the opening partnership by dismissing Hussain. Callum Vidler struck in the following over, claiming the crucial wicket of Shahzaib, who had been a prominent run-scorer for Pakistan in the U19 World Cup.
During the second Powerplay, Straker continued his dominance, removing Pakistan’s captain Saad Baig for just 3 runs. Contributions from MacMillan further dented Pakistan’s innings as Ahmad Hassan fell leg before wicket. Despite a brief partnership between Azan Awais and Haroon Arshad, Mahli Beardman’s return to the attack saw Arshad dismissed, putting Australia in a commanding position.
Awais and Minhas attempted to revive Pakistan’s innings, adding fifty runs in the overs 31-40. However, Straker once again proved pivotal, breaking the partnership and dismissing Awais for 52. With Minhas also falling after reaching his fifty, Pakistan faced a daunting challenge. Straker completed the demolition of Pakistan’s tail, finishing with remarkable figures of 6/24.
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