An exhilarating final is on the horizon at Willowmoore Park in Benoni as the formidable forces of India and Australia’s U19 cricket teams prepare to lock horns in the ultimate showdown of the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup 2024. Scheduled for Sunday, February 11, this clash promises to be an epic battle, with both sides clashing at full strength, undefeated thus far in the tournament.
History and pedigree are on the line for the Boys in Blue, who are eyeing an unprecedented sixth world title. Their journey to the final was marked by a gritty performance against the hosts South Africa in the semifinals, where they emerged victorious by a narrow margin of two wickets while pursuing a challenging total of 245 runs. The heroes of that match, Sachin Dhas and skipper Uday Saharan, chiselled significant half-centuries, catapulting India into the final for the fifth consecutive time.
Australia, on the other hand, is no stranger to the pressure of big games, having eked out a nerve-wracking one-wicket victory over Pakistan. Hugh Weibgen’s captaincy was instrumental in Australia’s daring chase of 180 runs in Benoni, signaling their readiness for the grand finale.
The record is in India’s favor as they remain unbeaten in their last five youth ODI matches against the Aussies. This track record, combined with their consistent performance, makes India the favorites to lift the trophy once more.
The battleground, Willowmoore Park in Benoni, presents an evenly matched stage for both batsmen and bowlers specializing in white-ball cricket. Known to assist pace bowlers with its bouncy vibe, especially at the outset of the innings, the conditions will be a test of mettle for both teams. The ground possesses a moderate average first innings score of 233 across 27 50-over matches, and history favors the team bowling first—with 17 wins as opposed to just eight by the team batting first.
Both finalists took advantage of the pitch’s characteristics in their semifinal matches, opting to field first. It is anticipated that they will adopt a similar strategy for the high-stakes final encounter.
Willowmoore Park’s ODI history reveals intriguing figures. The highest total blasted here is a mammoth 399/6 by South Africa against Zimbabwe, demonstrating the potential for scoring big when batsmen get settled. Even chasing has had its moments of glory, with the highest successful chase being 258/3 by Sri Lanka against South Africa. At the same time, the pitch bears the scars of the lowest total—91 all out by the Netherlands against Bermuda—showing that there could be traps for the unwary.
The stage is set, the squads are ready, and the crowds are in anticipation. India U19 brings a talented and skilled lineup including the leadership of Uday Saharan and the promising talents like Arshin Kulkarni, Priyanshu Moliya, and pace sensation Naman Tiwari. Australia U19 offers an equally intimidating roster with the inspired captaincy of Hugh Weibgen and the skills of players such as Ryan Hicks, Tom Campbell, and Mahli Beardman.
All roads lead to Willowmoore Park as the cricket world waits with bated breath. Can Australia break India’s streak, or will India underline their dominance in youth cricket? This sun-kissed Sunday in Benoni will tell a tale of grit, strategy, and the indomitable will to claim the title of world champion.
