India got off to a great start with the ball as Raj Limbani knocked over Sam Konstas for an eight-ball duck. However, Harry Dixon (42 off 65) and skipper Hugh Weibgen (48 off 66) added 78 for the second wicket to lift the Australians. The crucial partnership was broken when Naman Tiwari had Weibgen caught at backward point. Dixon also fell soon after to the same bowler as Australia were reduced to 99/3.
Harjas Singh (55 off 64), however, led the Aussie counterattack, hammering three fours and as many sixes. He added 66 for the fourth wicket with Ryan Hicks (20 off 25). Harjas’ fine knock ended when he was trapped leg before by Saumy Pandey. Oliver Peake (46* off 43), however, ensured that Australia finished with a competitive total. Although he hit only two fours and a six in his knock, Peake ensured that Australia’s run rate did not suffer.
Chasing 254, India got off to a nervous start as Arshin Kulkarni (3) was caught behind off Callum Vidler. Musheer Khan got a start, but was bowled by Mahli Beardman for 22 off 33 balls. India suffered another huge setback when their captain Uday Saharan (8) was caught by his opposite number at backward point off Mahli Beardman’s bowling. His dismissal left India in huge trouble at 55/3.
Sachin Dhas, who had played a couple of game-changing knocks leading up to the final, also perished for 9. He was caught behind off Raf MacMilllan. India had lost half their side for 90 when Priyanshu Moliya (9) perished to Charlie Anderson. Murugan Abhishek (42 off 46) offered some fight, but India still fell way short of the target. For Australia, Beardman and MacMilllan both finished with three wickets each, while Vidler claimed 2/35 in his 10 overs.
Speaking after being crowned U-19 world champions, Australian captain Weibgen said, “So proud of the boys and our coaches. Everyone was open to batting first, our plan was get a few runs and back ourselves. India are a class side, they dominated the whole tournament, just came the wrong side. I'm sure these guys will do a lot of great things in their career.”
-- By A Cricket Correspondent
