By Razeen Gutta
In the past year alone there has been the world test championship, the ODI world cup and now the Under-19 world cup finals — all three have been won by Australia at India’s expense.
The boys in blue were taken aback by conditions in the East of Johannesburg, with the pace and bounce in Benoni making matters tough for their batters.
Batting first, Australia scored 253 for the loss of seven wickets, with Harjas Singh (55) the star man as his side hit the highest score in Under-19 world cup finals history.
In response, India simply could not cope. Adarsh Singh struck a good 47 at the top, but the runs did not come easy and the wickets column ticked along far more swiftly.
Player of the match Mahil Beardman took 3/15 in seven overs to ensure India could only get to 174 before being bowled out with more than six overs to spare.
Much to the delight of the local supporters, South Africa’s Kwena Maphaka was named the player of the series. However it was Australia’s day as the boys in yellow won their first Under-19 title in 14 years.
Pictured above: Australia’s U19 cricket team
Image source: @criccrazyjohns
