Australia defeats Pakistan by just 1 wicket in U-19 World Cup , will face India in the finals.

In a thrilling semifinal encounter at Willowmoore Park in Benoni on Thursday (February 8), Pakistan suffered a narrow defeat to Australia by just one wicket in the 2024 U19 World Cup. The loss brought an end to Pakistan’s unbeaten streak of five matches in the tournament. The last time Pakistan clinched the U19 World Cup trophy was in 2006 under the captaincy of Sarfaraz Ahmed.

Australia’s successful chase of 180 runs was anchored by Harry Dixon and Oliver Peake. Dixon showcased his batting prowess with a resilient half-century, scoring 50 runs off 75 balls, including five boundaries. Peake fell just short of a fifty, contributing 49 runs off 75 deliveries, featuring three boundaries. Additional support came from Tom Campbell and Raf McMillan, who made valuable contributions of 25 (42) and 19*(29) runs, respectively.

Pakistan’s bowling effort was led by Ali Raza, who claimed impressive figures of 4/34, while Arafat Minhas secured two wickets.

Earlier in the match, Pakistan, after being put in to bat first, managed to post a total of 179 runs in 48.5 overs. Azan Awais and Arafat Minhas both scored identical half-centuries, with 52 runs each from 91 and 61 deliveries, respectively. Tom Straker emerged as the standout performer for Australia’s bowling attack, capturing six wickets to restrict Pakistan’s innings.