U19 World Cup: Australia edge out Pakistan in thrilling semi-final, set up final clash against India

Tom Straker’s six-wicket haul and Harry Dixon’s fifty inspired Australia to a thrilling one-wicket victory over Pakistan in the semi-final here on Thursday.

The Aussies will meet defending champions India in the ICC U-19 World Cup final on Sunday. The two nations had met in the ODI World Cup final in November last where Pat Cummins’ team defeated Rohit Sharma’s men.

Pakistan made a below par 179, built around two half-centuries by Arafat Minhas (52) and Azan Awais (52) as they struggled against pacer Straker (6/24).

Despite having their own struggles against the Pakistan bowlers, the Aussies managed to reach 181 for 9 in 49.1 overs to seal the final berth with Dixon (50) and Oliver Peake (49) leading their chase.

While India will be playing their ninth title match, the Aussies are appearing in their sixth final. India have won a record five titles while Australia have bagged three titles.

However, Australia’s win was anything but smooth as a bunch of determined Pakistan bowlers made them stretch for every single run.

Australian openers Dixon and Sam Konstas (14) added 33 runs but they lost four wickets while adding 26 runs in 6.2 overs that pushed them into a tight corner.

Not many teams relish the pressure situation better than the Aussies and they brought out that quality to the fore here too.