ICC U19 World Cup Final: 'India Are Biggest Chokers!' Fans Fume After Another ICC Final Debacle

India U19 cricket team slumped to a one-sided defeat against Australia in the ICC U19 World Cup final 2024 in Benoni on Sunday (February 11). Losing the game by 79 runs, India were all out for 174 runs while chasing a record total of 254 runs.

The toss played a crucial role yet again as Australians came out to bat first and posted a record total before their pacers, rated as the best in the ICC U19 World Cup 2024, ran through the Indian top-order. The defeat brought back painful memories of the senior team in 50-over senior World Cup last year and fans were quick to point that out.

Adarsh Singh opened the chase at 254 with a 47 off 77 balls, but India lost wickets often and ended up at 122 for 8 in 31.5 overs. Murugan Abhishek, the eighth batter, then put on an entertaining knock (42 off 46 balls) but it came too little, too late. This was third time in the last one year that India at any level have lost to Australia in an ICC Final, including the ICC World Test Championship final last year.

For Australia, seamer Mahli Beardman (3/15) and Raf MacMillan (3/43) did most of the damage. Callum Vidler (2/35) and Charlie Anderson (1/42) were the other wicket-takers. Earlier, Harjas top-scored for Australia with 55, while Weibgen and opener Harry Dixon made 48 and 42 respectively.

Later, Peake propped up Australia with his innings. Raj Limbani was the most successful Indian bowler with figures of 3/38, while Naman Tiwari picked up two wickets for 63 runs in nine overs.

Brief scores: Australia: 253/7 in 50 overs (Harjas Singh 55, Hugh Weibgen 48, Harry Dixon 42, Oliver Peake not out 46; Raj Limbani 3/38, Naman Tiwari 2/63).
India: 174 all out in 43.5 overs (Adarsh Singh 47; Mahli Beardman 3/15, Raf MacMillan 3/43).