As the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Final looms closer, Australia’s captain, Hugh Weibgen, urges his team to embrace the formidable task of taking on reigning champions India in what promises to be a thrilling encounter on Sunday.
Securing their place in the tournament’s climax with a nail-biting one-wicket victory over Pakistan in Benoni, the Aussie squad now enjoys a two-day break to hone their skills ahead of the showdown against the five-time U19 World Cup winners.
This final marks the third consecutive ICC event where Australia and India clash for the ultimate prize, following their intense battles in the ICC World Test Championship Final and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final last year.
While acknowledging the formidable challenge of overcoming India, Weibgen expresses confidence in his team’s resilience and readiness to face the formidable opponent.
India boasts exceptional talent, and we anticipate a fierce competition. We relish the challenge, the fight, and eagerly anticipate the showdown,
Weibgen remarked.
Australia boasts three U19 World Cup titles, with their most recent triumph dating back to 2010 when a youthful squad led by Mitch Marsh secured victory over Pakistan in New Zealand.
Weibgen pins hopes on his fast bowlers to deliver a stellar performance reminiscent of their 2010 success. Eyes are particularly on semi-final standout Tom Straker, who dismantled Pakistan’s top order with a remarkable spell, claiming 6/24, a feat that broke the previous semi-final or final record set by South Africa’s Kagiso Rabada.
Despite a rocky path to victory against Pakistan, with Harry Dixon and Ollie Peake setting the chase on course before Pakistan’s quicks made a late surge, Australia ultimately sealed their spot in the final with nerves of steel, as Raf MacMillan delivered the winning boundary in the final over.
Reflecting on the tense moments, Weibgen confessed,
There was a lot of emotion in the dressing room. I was both tense and excited. It was an incredible moment.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s captain, Saad Baig, praised his team’s efforts but lamented falling short of their target and being dismissed in the penultimate over.
While we may have fallen short by 10-20 runs, our boys fought valiantly throughout the tournament, showcasing exceptional talent and resilience, particularly in our bowling,
Baig remarked.
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