India, Australia surge to big wins

A dominant India maintained their perfect start to the Under-19 World Cup, as a fluent century from Musheer Khan followed by a four-wicket burst from fast bowler Manan Tiwari helped the team to a comprehensive victory against Ireland in Bloemfontein.

After being asked to bat first, India posted 301 for 7. Their innings was largely built around a third-wicket partnership between Musheer and the captain Uday Saharan which yielded 156 runs. Musheer, who took his time to settle in, hit the accelerator as the innings wore on, and eventually bashed 118 off 106 balls, with nine fours and four sixes. He had stable company in Saharan, who kept the runs flowing mostly with ones and twos, as the India captain compiled 75 – his second consecutive half-century.

While both batters would fall towards the end, India were boosted by late cameos from their keeper Aravelly Avanish (22 off 13) and Sachin Dhas (21* off 9), which propelled the total beyond 300. Oliver Riley was the pick of Ireland’s bowlers, finishing with 3 for 55.

Ireland had little going for them in their chase, as Tiwari quickly proceeded to wreck their top and middle order, before left-arm spinner Saumy Pandey caused more damage to the team’s chances. Ireland’s top eight batters managed just three boundaries between them, and six of them fell for single-digit scores, as the team was soon tottering at 45 for 8, essentially killing off the contest. Daniel Forkin, at No.10, was the team’s top scorer with 27 not out, but his late blows only delated the inevitable, as Ireland fell short by 201 runs at the end. Tiwari grabbed figures of 4 for 53, while Pandey ended with 3 for 21.

Brief scores:
India Under 19s  301 for 7 in 50 overs (Arshi Kulkarni 32, Musheer Khan 118, Uday Saharan 75, Sachin Das 21, Aravely Avinash 22, Oliver Riley 3-55, John McNally 2-35) beat Ireland Under 19s 100 in 29.4 overs (Daniel Forkin 27*;  Narman Tiwari 4-53, Saumy Pandey 3-21) by 201 runs

Australia sealed their second successive victory at the 2024 Under-19 World Cup after thumping Zimbabwe by 225 runs in Kimberley. Harrry Dixon who had a BBL deal even before playing this World Cup, and Harkirat Baiwa played starring roles for Australia with bat and ball respectively. In pursuit of 297, Zimbabwe folded for 71.

Ronak Patel was the only Zimbabwe batter to pass 15 in the chase. Mahli Beardman and Aidan O’Connor shared four wickets between them to back up Bawja, who claimed 4 for 15.

After opting to bat, Australia enjoyed a strong start with Dixon adding 91 for the first wicket with Sam Konstas. Captain Hugh Weibgen was also among the runs, hitting 68 off 69 balls, including five fours and a six. Dixon top-scored for them with 89 off 108 balls. Tom Campbell then applied the finishing touches with an unbeaten 47 off 28 balls.