Xtra Time Web Desk: A dominant Australian U19 side produced a superb all-round performance to secure their fourth ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup crown, overcoming a formidable Indian U19 amid a vibrant final atmosphere at Willowmoore Park, Benoni on Sunday.
Led by Hugh Weibgen, Australia put in an exceptional display in the blockbuster finale, first posting the highest total ever (253/7) recorded in a U19 Men’s CWC final and then executing a flawless display of bowling to dismantle India’s chase (174 all out in 43.5 overs) and secure the win by 79 runs.
Earlier in the day, Australia won the toss and elected to bat under a cloudy sky, setting the stage for a fiery start. Harry Dixon, led the charge with two fours and a six off Naman Tiwari in the second over, establishing a brisk tempo.
India U19 left-arm pacer Raj Limbani, struck early with a brilliant inswinger to dismiss Sam Konstas. Sensing a vulnerability against left-arm spin in Australian skipper Hugh Weibgen, India introduced Saumy Pandey. However, Weibgen, along with Dixon, adeptly rotated the strike against the spinners, prompting Uday Saharan to bring in Musheer Khan. Despite a brief slowdown in scoring, the spin failed to produce breakthroughs, leading India to return to pace.
Tiwari’s pace-induced miscue from Weibgen and Dixon’s dismissal through a knuckle ball brought India back into contention. Yet, Harjas Singh and Ryan Hicks steadied Australia, capitalizing on India’s limited pace options. Harjas showcased dominance against spin, reaching his first tournament half-century.
The introduction of Limbani broke the partnership by trapping Hicks in front, but Harjas continued, eventually falling for 55 to Pandey. Musheer and Tiwari added crucial wickets, reducing Australia from 165/3 to 187/6. Ollie Peake and Charlie Anderson’s steady partnership helped Australia reach a formidable 253, the highest total in a U19 Men’s CWC final.
Facing a challenging target, India struggled in the second innings against Australia’s pace attack. Callum Vidler and Anderson applied early pressure, with Vidler claiming the first wicket by dismissing Arshin Kulkarni. India, in defensive mode, saw Adarsh Singh and Musheer Khan trying to survive the new ball onslaught.
Despite glimpses of promise from Musheer, Mahli Beardman’s extra pace exploited a defensive gap, leading to the downfall of Adarsh. Uday Saharan, Sachin Dhas, and Aravelly Avanish departed quickly, leaving India at 68/4. Adarsh, with support from Moliya, pushed the score into the nineties before falling to Anderson.
Sensing the urgency to add runs, Adarsh accelerated but ultimately succumbed to Beardman after a patient innings of 47. Late fireworks from Murugan Abhishek were insufficient, and India finished at 174. Beardman’s match-winning spell earned him the Player of the Match, securing Australia’s victory in the final.