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Indian Era | Feb 11, 2024, 21:08:28 IST
India's batting line-up misfired at the most important moments in a heartbreaking 79-run defeat to Australia in the U-19 World Cup final in Benoni on Sunday.
Opting to bat, Australia first made 253 for 7 thanks to Oliver Peake's enterprising 46 off 43 balls and Harjas Singh's 64 off 55 balls, then returned to score 174 in 43.5 overs for five innings. They overwhelmed the winning team.
Australia thus became four-time champions.
Chasing 254, opener Adarsh Singh scored a 77-ball 47, but India continued to lose wickets at regular intervals and collapsed to 122 for eight in 31.5 overs. Then No. 8 batsman Murugan Abhishek (42 off 46 balls) played an interesting knock, but it was too little, too late.
The defeat was reminiscent of the heart-breaking defeat by the Indian top team to Australia in the 50-over World Cup final at home in November last year.
For Australia, seamer Marli Beardman (3/15) and off-spinner Ruff McMillan (3/43) did most of the damage. Callum Vidler (2/35) and Charlie Anderson (1/42) were the other wicket-takers.
Harjas has led the Australian team with 55 points so far, while Weibgen and opener Harry Dixon have scored 48 and 42 points respectively. Peake then gave Australia momentum with a crisp knock.
Raj Limbani was the most successful Indian bowler with figures of 3/38, while Naman Tiwari took 2 wickets for 63 runs in 9 overs.
Quick score:
Australia: 253/7 in 50 overs (Harjas Singh 55, Hugh Wavegen 48, Harry Dixon 42, Oliver Peaknot 46, Raj Limbani 3/38, Naman Tiwari 2/63).
India: 174 all out in 43.5 overs (Adarsh Singh 47, Murli Beardman 3/15, Rav McMillan 3/43).
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