ST. JOHNS, Antigua - AUSTRALIA ended their time at the Under-19 Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean on a winning note when they saw off a spirited effort by Afghanistan to register a hard-fought two wicket victory.
Despite small partnerships, it was the ‘never say die’ attitude by the Asian side that brought them back in the game despite posting a below par 201.
After winning the toss under bright sunshine at the small Coolidge Ground, Afghanistan’s inning was held up by a brilliant 81 from Iiaz Ahmadzai, as wickets fell around him in their rebuilding effort, which, despite small partnerships could not have mustered batsmen spending long periods at the crease.
Captain Suliman Safi (37) and wickerkeeper/batsman Mohammad Ishaq (34) were the other batsmen who put up some resistance to the difficult line and length the Australian bowlers employed on a difficult track for batting.
William Salzmann and Nivethan Radhakrishnan were the pick of the Aussie bowlers, bagging three wickets each after exploiting the bowler-friendly and cold conditions in Antigua.
Despite the low score and the Australians cruising to victory, Afghanistan pulled the game back in the depth overs despite Campbell Kellaway’s 51 and Radhakrishnan’s (66) at the top of the order.
Australia were cruising at 118 for 3 but poor batting and the overcast skies got to their batsmen as five wickets fell for 78 runs, tightening the game even further.
With nine runs needed off five overs, a late flury of wickets brought the equation down to two off the final over, and that too had all spectators in the ground and those watching and listening the game being broadcast around the world in a tease moment to know if the Asian side could pull off the inevitable.
However, it was not meant to be as the first ball of the final over went to the boundary for four runs, sealing third place for Australia.
Praises have been showered on the Afghanistan unit, as this group should be used as a platform for the enhancement of cricket within that country, despite all of the challenges that the nation is faced with.
With the victory, Australia take the third spot ahead of the Finals today (Feb. 5) at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in North Sound, Antigua, between India and England.
Up to news time, England batting first were 173 for 7 off 41 overs.
