Australia U19 booked their place in the final of the ICC U19 World Cup 2024, after a convincing eight-wicket win over Pakistan U19 in the second semi-final at Adelaide Oval on Sunday. The hosts, who won the toss and opted to bat first, chased down the target of 191 with 10.2 overs to spare, thanks to a century stand between openers Jake Fraser-McGurk and Sam Fanning.
Pakistan U19, who had beaten India U19 in the quarter-final, were off to a shaky start, as they lost both their openers inside the first five overs. Haider Ali and Rohail Nazir tried to rebuild the innings, but they fell in quick succession, leaving Pakistan U19 at 67 for 4. Qasim Akram and Mohammad Haris then added 59 runs for the fifth wicket, but they could not accelerate the scoring rate, as the Australian bowlers kept a tight leash on them. Pakistan U19 eventually finished with 190 for 9 in 50 overs, with Akram top-scoring with 54 off 77 balls. For Australia U19, Tanveer Sangha was the pick of the bowlers, taking 3 for 29 in 10 overs.
Australia U19, in reply, got off to a flying start, as Fraser-McGurk and Fanning took the attack to the Pakistan U19 bowlers. The duo added 114 runs for the first wicket in 18.4 overs, before Fraser-McGurk was dismissed for 62 off 64 balls. Fanning then continued his onslaught, and reached his maiden U19 World Cup fifty off 49 balls. He was well supported by Lachlan Hearne, who made 28 off 36 balls. The pair added 68 runs for the second wicket, before Fanning was caught behind for 75 off 74 balls. Oliver Davies and Mackenzie Harvey then completed the formalities, as Australia U19 reached 191 for 2 in 39.4 overs.
Fanning was adjudged the player of the match for his match-winning knock, while Fraser-McGurk was praised for his aggressive batting. Australia U19 will now face West Indies U19 in the final of the U19 World Cup, which will be played at Perth Stadium on Tuesday. West Indies U19 had beaten South Africa U19 by six wickets in the first semi-final on Saturday.
If you want to watch the live streaming of the Australia U19 vs Pakistan U19 semi-final, you can check out the links below:
¹: AUS U19 vs PAK U19 Live Streaming: When And Where To Watch Online And On Tv In India
²: Australia U19 vs Pakistan U19 Live Cricket Streaming For Second Semi-Final: How to Watch AUS U19 vs PAK U19 Coverage on TV And Online
³: AUS U19 vs PAK U19 Live Streaming: How to watch Australia U19 vs Pakistan U19 2nd Semi-Final LIVE in India on mobile, TV