Australia’s cricket teenagers are one step away from emulating their seniors – by lifting the Under-19 World Cup in a final against India.
The teenage lads, spearheaded by their record-breaking pace gun Tom Straker and guided to victory by cool head Raf MacMillan, battled into Sunday’s showdown in South Africa in the most dramatic fashion, pipping Pakistan by just one wicket after a nerve-shredding semi-final in Benoni.
MacMillan hit the winning boundary off the first ball of the last over from Mohammad Zeeshan in Thursday’s (Friday AEDT) topsy-turvy affair, a fortuitous inside edge that just missed his leg stump and flew away to the boundary.
“Never in doubt!” laughed the Australians’ captain Hugh Weibgen, who was barely able to watch the nail-biting drama unfolding from the pavilion balcony at Willowmoore Park.
“We had full faith in Vids [No.11 batter Callum Vidler] and Raf to get the job done. There was quite a bit of emotion in the dressing room. I was quite tense and excited too. I still don’t know what really happened, but it was awesome!”
What happened eventually was that, having taken too long over their deliberations in the field, Pakistan were forced to employ an extra fielder inside the circle for the last over, with three runs still needed.
It was to prove crucial as the fielder brought up from the fine leg boundary was beaten by MacMillan’s inside-edge boundary.
Raf MacMillan celebrates hitting the winning runs for Australia in the U19 World Cup semi-final. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)
It set up a final at the same venue on Sunday for the young Aussies against an Indian side who, like them, have gone unbeaten so far in the South African tournament and will probably be slight favourites to retain their title.
Of course, it’s a junior version of the 2023 men’s World Cup final in India, won by Pat Cummins’ Australians – and Weibgen’s side will be looking to become the first teenage Aussie outfit to lift the trophy since 2010.
“India are a class team, they’ll come out and compete really hard – we’ll love that challenge, we’ll love that fight – we’re really looking forward to it,” said Weibgen, recognising how his side really showed their character against Pakistan.
In that victorious team 14 years ago were Josh Hazlewood, who took four wickets, and captain Mitch Marsh.
This time, it was Straker, in the Hazlewood mould, who was Australia’s matchwinner, taking 6-24 and helping skittle Pakistan for 179 after Weibgen had opted to field.
They were the best figures in an under-19 semi-final or final, beating Kagiso Rabada’s 6-25 for South Africa against Australia in 2014.
Australia’s chase proved complicated amid blistering pace bowling from Pakistan’s 15-year-old sensation Ali Raza (4-34).
“Every time we thought we were on top, we lost a wicket, but we just kept fighting,” said Weibgen.
Left-handed opener Harry Dixon (50), with his third half-century of the tournament, and 17-year-old replacement player Ollie Peake (49), proved the mainstays.
But when Raza got rid of Peake and Straker in the 46th over, it looked like the Australians were doomed at nine down with 16 still needed.
Step forward, MacMillan, who guided Australia to the final on 9-181 with an unbeaten 19 off 29 balls, helped by a dogged and invaluable couple of runs off nine balls from their last man, star quick Callum Vidler.
matth
Roar Guru
Do you remember the hype around Lloyd Pope? That’s your cautionary tale. Was Rabada playing first class cricket before national selection? I bet he was
Tom
Straker obviously had a good match, but I think most that have followed the whole tournament will tell you the Vidler, Beardman and Anderson are better than him at this point and also have a higher ceiling. None of the four of them are anywhere near test level yet though.
cruyff turn
Roar Rookie
That wasn't exactly the point I was making! I was talking about Harry Dixon.
mrl
Roar Rookie
Shaun Marsh is the best cricketer in his family.
cruyff turn
Roar Rookie
I'm calling it now: I predict Harry Dixon will be opening the batting for the Test team in the next 2-3 years. He has Warner's aggression and Shaun Marsh's technique, and it's only a matter of time before Victoria select him for the Shield.
Gamechanger
Roar Rookie
You’ve got to give it to the saffer selectors they took a punt on Rabada and hasn’t it paid dividends.
jamesb
Roar Guru
More than six months ago, Australia was up against an English side that had Anderson and Broad aged 41 and 37 respectively.
jamesb
Roar Guru
Before he plays for Australia, he needs to learn more of his craft in the Sheffield Shield. He is only 18. If he is as good as Rabada, he will get an opportunity. Certainly earlier than the age of 25. But at the end of the day, there is only three spots in the team for fast bowlers. You can't fit Straker, Morris, Bartlett, Richardson, Johnson, Sutherland, O'Neill and Cummins, (who is still only 30) all in the same team.
Ouch
Roar Rookie
When could a Tom Straker make his Test debut for Australia alongside Lance Morris and Xavier Bartlett? Not until the cartel retires i imagine.
Gamechanger
Roar Rookie
When could a Tom Straker make his Test debut for Australia alongside Lance Morris and Xavier Bartlett? In Australia’s current set up 2025 ( a favourite date of roarer Rowdy) . Now just look at Kagiso Rabada’s PATHWAY. 2014 U19. Test debut for Saffers Nov 2015!! Tom Straker “They were the best figures in an under-19 semi-final or final, beating Kagiso Rabada’s 6-25 for South Africa against Australia in 2014.” BEST FIGURES BEATING RABADA at the same age and Rabada debuts one year later for South Africa seniors. If he is anywhere near as good as Rabada he shouldn’t have to wait until he is age 25-30. Our whole pathways set up needs review or it will be 2025.
BigGordon
Roar Rookie
Only saw the highlights but there seemed to be some quality bowlers in action on both sides. Hopefully at least one or two can kick on to bigger things in the coming years. I suspect the final against India will be equally close.