Broadcast details for ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup
Australia took one step closer to defending their ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup title as they sealed a semi-final berth with a thrilling win over West Indies.
In the marquee Super Six Group 1 clash on Wednesday, Australia posted a daunting total of 314 for seven. Though West Indies ran them close, they eventually fell short by 22 runs, finishing their innings at 292 for nine.
Australia are unbeaten in the tournament so far and became the first team from their group to progress to the final four. With eight points from four matches, they have opened up an unassailable lead in Group 1. Though the result set back West Indies’ chance to make the semi-final, they still have a minscule chance, along with Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
After West Indies chose to field first, Australia put on a commanding show with the bat. Will Malajczuk (48) and Nitesh Samuel (56) gave them a solid start, stitching a 73-run partnership for the first wicket.
But it was captain Oliver Peake’s well-paced 109 that took Australia past the 300-mark. After a quiet start to the tournament, the southpaw came into his own against the West Indies on a batting-friendly strip at the Harare Sports Club. He struck nine fours and up his first century of the tournament with a six over long on.
