Xtra Time Web Desk: The much-anticipated final of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 will see India and Australia compete for silverware once again following a scintillating round of semi-final fixtures. The highly anticipated final between the two sides will be hosted on Sunday, February 11 at Willowmoore Park in Benoni. The top two sides head into the final undefeated, having topped their respective groups and Super Six stages. Let us take a look at the five key battles to watch out for in the final.
Musheer Khan & Callum Vidler – It will be mouth-watering contest between the prolific run-scorer in the Indian batting line-up and Aussie pace bowling spearhead. Musheer has been in terrific form in the tournament, amassing 338 runs at a staggering average of 67.60 and an impressive strike rate of 101.9. He has already scored two hundreds, most by any in the tournament so far. Callum on the other hand spearheads the Australian pace attack. Together with Tom Straker and Mahli Beardman they form a fearsome trio. Callum has picked 12 wickets from 5 matches so far with an economy rate of 3.88.
Uday Saharan & Hugh Weibgen – The two captains had led their respective sides by example. Uday is the highest run-scorer in the tournament so far with 389 runs at an average of 64.83. He has already scored one hundred and three fifties. His knock of 81 in the semi-final against South Africa paved the way for the team to reach the final. On the other hand, Hugh Weibgen has amassed 256 runs at an average of 51.20 with a strike rate of 85.61. The Australian captain has scored a hundred and a fifty.
Sachin Dhas & Tom Straker – It will be another keen contest that will be closely watched. Sachin has been in superb form having scored a hundred against Nepal and following it up with a brilliant 96 off 95 in the semi-final against host South Africa. The talented batter from Maharashtra has scored 294 runs at an average of 73.50. The right-hander has scored the runs at an impressive strike rate of 116.66. Sachin will be up against Tom Straker who took 6-24 against Pakistan in the second semi-final. He is one of the top 5 wicket-takers in the tournament with 12 wickets at an average of 9.25 and an impressive economy rate of 3.09.
Saumy Pandey & Oliver Peake – The left-arm spinner from India has been super-impressive with the ball. He is the third highest wicket taker in the tournament so far with 17 wickets from 6 games at an average of 8.47. Saumy has three four wicket hauls with the best figure of 4/19. He has been miserly when it comes to giving away runs with an economy rate of 2.44. Oliver Peake holds the key for Australia in the middle order. The 17-year-old has only played three matches in the tournament so far but already left an impression after his 45 runs knock in the semi-final against Pakistan.
Naman Tiwari & Harry Dixon – The left-arm quick from India has played an important role with the new ball along with Raj Limbani. Naman has troubled batters with his yorkers and speed, grabbing ten wickets from five games so far, including two four-wicket hauls. He will be up against Australia’s hard-hitting batter Harry Dixon. The left-hand batter is the highest scorer for the Aussies in the tournament with 267 runs from 6 games at an average of 44.50. Dixon has scored the runs at a strike rate of 82.40.
The two sides have met twice before in an ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup final, with India having won on both previous occasions in 2012 and 2018. Can Uday Saharan and his boys make it three in a row against the Aussies, we will have to watch.