Antigua, Jan 20: Australia beat Pakistan by 119 runs with the help of top-order batting and reached the U19 World Cup semifinal. After England and Afghanistan, Australia became the third team to book their place in the Super League last four on Friday.
Teague Wylie and Corey Miller’s half centuries guided Australia to reach 276 for 7 from 50 overs. Barring a 50-run partnership for the third wicket, Pakistan were always behind in their chase and eventually crumbled to 157 all out with the wickets shared among the Australian bowlers.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to field but soon regretted that decision as Kellaway and Wylie (71) put on 86 for the first wicket. Kellaway was stumped off the bowling of Qasim Akram (3-40), then Corey Miller accelerated the run rate on his way to 64. Wylie and Miller’s 101-run stand was brought to an end by Awais Ali, who had Wylie bowled, with Miller following soon after to leave Australia 203 for three with just under 10 overs remaining.
Skipper Cooper Connolly chipped in with 33 and William Salzmann cracked a quickfire 25 off 14 balls from No.7 to set a competitive target. Chasing 278, Pakistan opener Muhammad Shehzad and Haseebullah Khan were both caught behind, leaving their side 27 for two in the fifth over. Abdul Faseeh (28) and Irfan Khan (27) started to rebuild before the latter was bowled by Salzmann (3-37). The wickets fell at regular intervals from then on. Australia will now face the winner of the final Super League quarterfinal between India and defending champions Bangladesh on Saturday.
