BENONI (South Africa), February 11: Australia has won the ICC Men’s Under 19 World Cup beating India by 79 runs in the final in Benoni, South Africa. The stunning victory came after electing to bat, Australia compiled 7-253 with Harjas Singh (55) the top scorer. They then bowled India out for 174 with Player of the Match Mahli Beardman (3-15) and Raf MacMillan (3-43) the stars with the ball.
It was Australia’s fourth U19 Men’s World Cup victory and the first since 2010 when current internationals Mitch Marsh and Josh Hazlewood were members of the squad.
The BCCI in a Tweet said, ” The Boys In Blue impressed everyone throughout the U19 World Cup with some memorable performances”.
ANI report:
Australia pacers rejoiced and stated the feeling of clinching their fourth Under-19 World Cup title hasn’t sunk in following their 79-run victory over India in the final on Sunday at Willowmoore Park.
Australia defended their target of 254 with a clinical performance with the ball against India to clinch their fourth title.
The #BoysInBlue fought hard but it's Australia who win the #U19WorldCup Final by 79 runs.
Scorecard ▶️ https://t.co/RytU4cGJLu#TeamIndia | #INDvAUS pic.twitter.com/pg2KhIbPx2
— BCCI (@BCCI) February 11, 2024
In three months, India twice went unbeaten to the final of the World Cup, to face Australia in the final and on both occasions, they ended up on the losing side.
After the victory, Sam Konstas was at a loss for words as he talked about Australia’s journey and said, “I’m lost for words. It’s been an amazing journey. Amazing atmosphere here and India are so good, they are the benchmark, but to get the win here, I’m so proud of the boys. It’s been a great effort and credit to our coaches, they’ve been amazing really. We just stuck to our plans and processes and gave it our all. Lucky to be able to execute today.”
Australia pacer Callum Vidler who produced a sensational opening spell in the powerplay said, “It’s crazy and a memory I’ll remember for the rest of my life. Once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. And to do it with Mahli, Tom and Charlie, there’s no better feeling.”
Pacer Tom Straker talked about the emotions that he was going through and said, “It’s a great feeling, we worked two years for this. We love each other, we love the four quicks playing together.”
All-rounder Charlie Anderson added, “It’s awesome. You don’t get to play a World Cup final every day.”
When the fate of the game was sealed, the jubilant Australian players stormed onto the field, with skipper Hugh Weibgen making an impression of Michael Vaughan in 2005 after winning the Ashes.
Cricket Australia media release adds:
Hugh Weibgen, Australia Men’s U19s captain said:
“We are absolutely thrilled to have won the final and to be bringing home the World Cup.
“We knew this was going to be a tough tournament given the standard of some of the teams and to go through undefeated says a lot about the talent we have in our squad and the excellence of our planning and preparation.
“It was great that everyone across the squad made a contribution to the victory including all the coaches and support staff and everyone involved can be really proud of what we have achieved.”
Nick Hockley, CA Chief Executive said:
“Congratulations to captain Hugh Weibgen and his team, the coaches and all the support staff in South Africa on winning Australia’s fourth ICC Men’s Under 19 World Cup.
“To go through the tournament undefeated and bring home the trophy for the first time in 15 years is a wonderful achievement and continues a period of remarkable success for Australian teams on the international stage.
“Ensuring our pathway programs are strong is a major priority for Australian Cricket and it is great to see Australia continues to produce so many accomplished young cricketers including those in this world champion team.”
Australia Men’s ICC U19 World Cup Winning Squad
Hugh Weibgen (QLD – Valley District Cricket Club) – Captain
Lachlan Aitken (QLD – Gold Coast District Cricket Club)
Charlie Anderson (NSW – Northern District Cricket Club)
Harkirat Bajwa (VIC – Melbourne Cricket Club)
Mahli Beardman (WA – Melville Cricket Club)
Tom Campbell (QLD – Western Suburbs District Cricket Club)
Harry Dixon (VIC – St Kilda Cricket Club)
Ryan Hicks (NSW – Mosman Cricket Club)
Sam Konstas (NSW – Sutherland Cricket Club)
Rafael MacMillan (NSW – St George District Cricket Club)
Aidan O’Connor (TAS – Greater Northern Raiders)
Oliver Peake (VIC – Geelong Cricket Club)
Harjas Singh (NSW – Western Suburbs Cricket Club)
Tom Straker (NSW – Sutherland District Cricket Club)
Callum Vidler (QLD – Valley District Cricket Club)
Corey Wasley (WA – Rockingham-Mandurah Cricket Club)
