'I still don't know what happened...': Australia captain after setting up U-19 World Cup final vs India by defeating Pakistan

In a nail-biting finish, Australia clinched a thrilling one-wicket victory over Pakistan in the second semifinal of the Under-19 World Cup 2024, chasing down a target of 180 runs in the final over. This dramatic win sets up a highly anticipated final showdown between India and Australia, reminiscent of the senior ODI World Cup 2023 final. The Australian Under-19 team displayed remarkable resilience as they successfully overhauled the 180-run target in the closing moments of the match, following Pakistan's dismissal for 179 runs in their innings.

Hugh Weibgen in disbelief after Australia's stunning win over Pakistan

Meanwhile, Australia captain Hugh Weibgen is still in disbelief the way Under-19 World Cup semifinal unfolded. After the match, he said,"I still don't know what happened."

However, Weibgen was all praise for his teams and said he had full faith in them that they will get the job done.

“Never in doubt, had full faith in Vids and Raf to get the job done (laughs). Lot of emotions in the dressing room.  Tough to leave out Anderson, but Tom Straker bowled unbelievably today. We felt like we were well prepared coming into this fixture. We fought so hard. Everytime we thought we were on top, we lost a wicket. 17-year-old Peake, such composure and maturity in the middle. India are a class team. We'll love that challenge,” Weibgen added.

Tom Straker blows away Pakistan

It was Australia's Tom Straker who broke Pakistani batters' back with an astonishing spell of 6/24. Straker was adjudged the Player of the Match for his match-winning spell. In the post-match presentation, Straker 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. (On his bowling) 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. (On bettering Rabada's best bowling figures in U-19 WC final/semifinal) I didn't know that, I'll take that one. (Extra belief because of this win?) Probably not, we had pretty good confidence throughout the whole tournament and leading up to it. So, pretty similar."

How the match unfolded?

Talking about the match, Australia got off to a good start, without losing any wicket in the powerplay. However, Pakistan struck early as opener Sam Konstas departed after contributing fourteen runs. Harry Dixon anchored the innings with a composed half-century off 75 deliveries, while Ollie Peake displayed resilience with an impressive 49 from 75 balls. Tom Campbell chipped in with 25 runs off 42 deliveries. Although Australia stumbled towards the end, vice-captain Rafael MacMillan maintained his composure, guiding his team to victory with an unbeaten 19 off 29 balls. Callum Vidler added a steady 3* from 9 balls, ensuring Australia reached the target by the narrowest of margins. The fielding side conceded 9 extras as Australia secured the win.

The youthful Australian squad showcased remarkable maturity under pressure, reminiscent of the senior team's demeanor in crucial matches. Their triumph not only earns them a spot in the final but also sets the stage for an exhilarating showdown with India, echoing the intense rivalry witnessed in senior team finals. Despite Pakistan's early batting collapse, which proved costly, the team boasts a storied history in the tournament, having claimed the U19 World Cup title twice before in 2004 and 2006. Conversely, Australia's U19 team strives to emulate the success of their senior counterparts, who possess a dominant record against Pakistan in both ODIs and Test cricket, with 70 victories in 108 ODIs and 37 wins in 72 Test matches.

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