Australia Secures Fourth Title with Convincing Win Over India in U-19 World Cup 2024 Final 

Australia continued its dominance in ICC events by securing a commanding victory over India in the U-19 World Cup 2024 Final at Willowmoore Park in Benoni. Opting to bat first, Australia posted a formidable total of 253 for seven, with Oliver Peake’s enterprising 43-ball 46 and Harjas Singh’s composed 55 off 64 balls laying the foundation. The Australian team returned to bowl out the five-time champion, India, for 174 in 43.5 overs, securing a convincing 79-run win.

Australia’s batting display was led by Harjas Singh, who top-scored with 55, while Hugh Weibgen and opener Harry Dixon contributed 48 and 42, respectively. Oliver Peake’s breezy knock further bolstered Australia’s innings. Raj Limbani was the most successful Indian bowler, claiming three wickets for 38 runs, while Naman Tiwari picked up two wickets for 63 runs in nine overs.

In the chase of 254, India faced early setbacks, losing wickets at regular intervals. Opener Adarsh Singh made a valiant effort with a 77-ball 47, but the Indian batting lineup collapsed to 122 for eight in 31.5 overs. Despite a late entertaining knock from No. 8 batter Murugan Abhishek (42 off 46 balls), it was insufficient to turn the tide in India’s favor.

Seamer Mahli Beardman and off-spinner Raf MacMillan were the chief tormentors for Australia, claiming three wickets each, with Beardman conceding only 15 runs. Callum Vidler and Charlie Anderson also contributed to the bowling effort, taking two and one wicket, respectively.

The loss in the U-19 World Cup final brought back memories of the senior Indian team’s heartbreaking defeat to Australia in the 50-over World Cup final at home in November the previous year.

Australia’s victory in the U-19 World Cup marked their fourth title in the tournament’s history. The team showcased a balanced performance with both bat and ball, and the credit goes to key contributors like Harjas Singh, Oliver Peake, Mahli Beardman, and Raf MacMillan.

Looking ahead, India U-19 head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar expressed confidence in the future of Indian cricket. Despite the loss, players like skipper Uday Saharan, Musheer Khan, Saumy Pandey, and Sachin Dhas displayed impressive performances throughout the tournament. Kanitkar emphasized the players’ maturity in tough situations, foreseeing a bright future for Indian cricket.

Kanitkar highlighted the historical significance of the U-19 World Cup in nurturing talent for the senior team, citing past stars like Virat Kohli, Yuvraj Singh, Mohammed Kaif, and others who emerged from the youth ranks to become stalwarts in Indian cricket. The coach believes that at least a couple of players from the 2024 batch will follow suit and eventually represent the senior Indian team.

In conclusion, Australia’s triumph in the U-19 World Cup 2024 Final showcased their dominance in ICC events, while India’s young talents, despite the loss, earned praise for their performances, leaving a positive outlook for the future of Indian cricket according to head coach Hrishikesh Kanitkar.