ICC U19 World Cup: Australia beat Pakistan in a dramatic Semi-Final clash to set a huge finale against India

Australia defeated Pakistan by one wicket in a last-over thriller after chasing down the 180-run target in the final over of the second semifinal of the ICC U19 World Cup 2024. With this win over Pakistan, Australia have set up a final clash against India in a rematch of the senior World Cup 2023 Final.

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The Australian U19 team successfully chased down a target of 180 runs after Pakistan was bowled out for 179 in their first innings. The Australian side showed their nerves under pressure, and somehow managed to clinch the victory.

Pakistan had an early batting collapse. Despite the team's historical success in the tournament, having won the U19 World Cup twice before, they didn't look like the favourites.

Azan Awais (52) and Arafat Minhas (52) struck half-centuries to help Pakistan post 179 in 48.5 overs. Tom Straker bagged six wickets for Australia while Ali Raza kept Pakistan alive in the contest with his match-changing final over but Rafael MacMillan helped the Aussies win the match to secure a definite spot in the final of the tournament.

Harry Dixon played an inning of 50 off 75 balls while Ollie Peake scored valuable 49 runs from 75 balls while Tom Campbell scored 25 off 42. The Australians lost some important wickets towards the end, but vice-captain Rafael MacMillan played a match-winning inning of 19* off 29 balls alongside, scoring the winning runs in the end.