In a deja vu scenario, Australia emerged victorious over India for the third time in the last seven months, securing the U-19 World Cup title in a commanding fashion. The story unfolded with striking similarities – India’s bowlers struggling against the onslaught, and their batsmen grappling with the pace and bounce of the Australian attack.
Australia, having faced a close call against Pakistan in the semifinals, delivered a ruthless performance in the summit clash, crushing India by 79 runs to claim their fourth U-19 title. Setting a record-breaking total of 253 for 7, the highest in U-19 final history, Australia’s bowlers capitalized on a challenging pitch in Benoni to bowl out India for 174 runs.
Medium pacers Callum Vidler and Mahli Beardman spearheaded Australia’s attack, troubling India’s batsmen with sheer pace. Beardman, mentored by the legendary Dennis Lillee, proved to be one of the quickest in the tournament, dismantling India’s top order with precision. His lethal short balls accounted for key wickets, including the dismissal of India’s captain Uday Saharan.
Australia’s off-spinner Raf MacMillan added to India’s misery by grabbing three crucial wickets. MacMillan’s unexpected impact came as a surprise, leaving India with limited answers and further solidifying Australia’s dominance.
For India, the disappointment lay in their inability to execute plans against Australia’s formidable pacers. Captain Uday Saharan, the tournament’s highest run-getter, expressed frustration over rash shots and a failure to spend sufficient time in the middle. The defeat echoed a familiar sentiment – the challenge of facing Australia, the undisputed powerhouse of world cricket.
While India’s batting performance faltered, Australia showcased resilience and depth in their lineup. Despite the early loss of Sam Konstas, Harry Dixon and Hugh Weibgen’s partnership of 78 runs set the tone. Harjas Singh’s explosive 55, coupled with Oliver Peake’s final flourish, propelled Australia to a formidable total.
This victory marked Australia’s fourth U-19 title and their 14th ICC title overall, reaffirming their status as the ultimate tournament team. As the final whistle blew, the Germans of world cricket, Australia, stood tall once again, leaving India to ponder their missed opportunities.
Numbers:
- 397: India’s captain Uday Saharan emerged as the highest run-getter in the tournament, with a hundred and three fifty-plus scores.
- 4: This was Australia’s fourth U-19 title, and the first since 2010. This was also their 14th ICC title.
