In a thrilling final showdown between India and Australia at the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2024, Australia emerged victorious, breaking the hearts of millions of Indian cricket fans. Australia secured their fourth title by defeating India by 79 runs in a high-stakes match that saw both teams giving their all. The Australian team set a challenging target, posting 253 runs in 50 overs, and India, in response, fell short with a total of 174 runs in 43.5 overs.
Australia’s triumph in the Under-19 World Cup 2024 final echoes their success against India in the senior team’s ODI World Cup final held in Ahmedabad on November 19, 2023. With this win, Australia’s junior team denied India their sixth Under-19 World Cup title.
Several factors contributed to India’s loss in the final:
Losing the Toss:
India faced a setback by losing the toss in such a crucial match. Australia took advantage of batting first, setting a formidable target of 253 runs. This total became the highest-ever score in the history of Under-19 World Cup finals.
Harjas Singh’s Half-century:
Harjas Singh of Australia proved to be the nemesis for India in the Under-19 World Cup 2024 final. His impactful innings of 55 runs off 64 balls played a pivotal role in Australia reaching a challenging target of 254 runs. Singh’s performance showcased his prowess as a key batsman for the Australian team.
Poor Bowling Performance:
India’s bowlers failed to contain Australia’s batsmen, with the team conceding 19 extra runs. The inability to put pressure on the opposition and control the run rate played a significant role in India’s defeat.
Mushir Khan and Uday Saharan’s Disappointing Show:
India’s top batsmen, Mushir Khan and Uday Saharan, had a forgettable outing in the Under-19 World Cup final. Mushir Khan managed to score only 22 runs before getting out, while captain Uday Saharan contributed just 8 runs before returning to the pavilion. A more substantial partnership from these key players could have made a significant difference for the Indian team.
The loss in the Under-19 World Cup final against Australia marks a historic moment as it is the first time India has faced defeat at the hands of Australia in this competition. Despite the disappointment, the tournament showcased the talent and potential of young cricketers, setting the stage for their future endeavors on the international stage.
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