Australia continued their cricketing dominance with an emphatic 79-run victory over India in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 final in Benoni. Opting to bat first, Australia set a challenging target of 254 runs, registering the highest-ever total in a U19 World Cup final.
Australia’s inning was characterized by a solid start from Harry Dixon, who played aggressively and scored 15 runs off Naman Tiwari’s first over. However, Raj Limbani’s delivery castled Dixon’s partner Sam Konstas in the third over. The introduction of spin by India slowed the scoring rate during the first Powerplay. Captain Hugh Weibgen and Harjas Singh cautiously navigated the middle overs, with the latter later showcasing aggression, hitting boundaries and securing a maiden fifty in the U19 World Cup.
Harjas Singh’s innings, coupled with contributions from Ryan Hicks and Ollie Peake, propelled Australia to a formidable total of 253/7 in their 50 overs. The team’s positive intent and controlled aggression in the latter part of the innings ensured a strong finish, adding 66 runs in the last 10 overs.
In response, India faced early setbacks in their chase, losing four wickets within the first 20 overs. Mahli Beardman’s impressive bowling figures of 3-15 were instrumental in dismantling India’s top order. Despite a resilient 47 from Adarsh Singh and a late surge from Abhishek Murugan, Australia’s bowling attack proved too formidable, bowling out India for 174 in 43.5 overs.
Australia’s comprehensive victory in the U19 World Cup final marked their third successive win over India in ICC events, following triumphs in the World Test Championship and ICC Cricket World Cup 2024. The consistent success underscores Australia’s cricketing prowess and dominance on the international stage.
This victory not only adds another feather to Australia’s cap but also reaffirms their depth and talent at the youth level, boding well for the future of Australian cricket. The U19 World Cup success is a testament to the team’s skill, resilience, and ability to perform under pressure, showcasing the bright prospects for Australian crick
et in the years to come.
