PAK vs AUS, U19 World Cup 2024 Semi-Final: Tom Straker six-for overshadows Ali Raza's heroics as Australia beat Pakistan in a nail-biting thriller

Benoni, Feb 8: Australia Under-19 team edged Pakistan in a nail-biting thriller to clinch a victory by the barest of margins in the second semi-final of the ICC U19 World Cup 2024 here on Thursday (February 8).

Chasing a target of 180, Australian batters faced a stiff challenge from a spirited Pakistani bowling line-up as they were nine down in the run chase.

After being put in to bat, Pakistan faced early setbacks with the loss of their openers in the innings, but the efforts of top-order batsman Azan Awais and middle-order batsman Arafat Minhas, who both scored half-centuries, ensured that their team reached a decent total.

AUS vs PAK: All-rounder Tom Straker Stars For Australia

In a sensational display of bowling prowess, Tom Staker, the rising star of the Australia U19 cricket team, etched his name in the history books by delivering the best-ever bowling figures in U19 World Cup history and surpassed the previous record held by current South Africa bowling star Kagiso Rabada.

With an astonishing haul of 6 wickets for just 24 runs in 9.5 overs, Staker wreaked havoc on Pakistan's batting lineup with his destructive bowling. His exceptional performance not only dismantled the opposition's batting order but also played a pivotal role in Australia's commanding victory.

Pakistan Bowlers Put Up Spirited Show

Pakistan's bowlers, known for their strength throughout the tournament, put up a resilient fight until the last over, keeping their hopes alive as they kept picking up wickets at regular intervals in the low-scoring game.

In the pursuit of Australia's target, opener Harry Dixon (50 off 75 balls), Oliver Peake (49 off 75), and Tom Campbell (25 off 42 balls) emerged as the top performers. Despite Pakistan's valiant effort, the team fell short. Campbell hit the winning boundary for his team as the Australian camp broke into celebration.

However, amidst their disappointment, there was acknowledgement for their 15-year-old standout player, Ali Raza, who again delivered an exceptional performance with the ball. He returned with sensational figures of 4/34 from his quota of 10 overs, which also had two maiden overs.

The jubilant celebrations of the Australian batters contrasted with the dejection of the Pakistani players, who fought fiercely despite defending a modest total of 179. Ultimately, Pakistan came agonisingly close to victory, with just one wicket separating them from a remarkable turnaround.

Straker was awarded the player of the match for his spirited effort, said, "We got it closer than we would have wanted. After I got out, no one was moving, everyone was sitting on their seats and it was pretty intense out there."

When asked about his bowling effort in the high-pressure game, the right-arm medium pacer said, "Pretty proud, especially those last two wickets, I could finish it off early. Credit to us the bowlers to bowl them out for under 180, it was a pretty good effort today."