Australia Crush India by 79 Runs to Win ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024

Benoni: India’s dream of a record-extending sixth U19 World Cup title was shattered on Sunday as Australia emerged victorious by 79 runs in the final at Benoni. The defeat mirrored the senior team’s heartbreak at the 2023 World Cup, where they fell to the same opponents on home soil.

Electing to bat first, Australia posted a formidable 254 runs on the board. Harjas Singh top-scored with 55, while crucial contributions from Hugh Weibgen (48), Oliver Peake (46*), and Harry Dixon (42) propelled them to the highest total in a U19 World Cup final.

Chasing a record-breaking target, India’s batting faltered early. The top order crumbled, leaving them reeling at 91/6. Opener Adarsh Singh (47), Musheer Khan (22) and late resistance from Murugan Abhishek (42) and Naman Tiwari (14) offered brief hope, but the chase ultimately fell short.

Pacer Raj Limbani was India’s brightest spark, taking three wickets for 38 runs. However, leading run-scorer Uday Saharan (389 runs before the final) could manage only eight, adding to the disappointment.

Australia’s bowlers shared the spoils, with Mahli Beardman’s 3/15 earning him the Player of the Match award. He was ably supported by Raf MacMillan (3/43) and Callum Vidler (2/35).