Watch: Pakistan players break down after U-19 World Cup semi-final loss to Australia

It was arguably one of the most exciting knockout games in the history of the U-19 World Cup. Pakistan, despite all their fight and bravery, suffered a heartbreaking loss at the hands of Australia in the final over of the semi-final played at Willowmoore Park in Benoni South Africa on Thursday. The match went right down the wire with Australia needing three runs to win in the final over. The Australian team took just one ball to clinch a nail-biting victory. With this win, Australia qualified for the final and they will now take on India in the summit clash. After the ball hit the boundary ropes in the final over of the contest, Pakistan’s Umaid Shah, who had chased it down, remained sprawled on the ground while Mohammad Zeeshan and captain Saad Baig looked visibly distraught. The young players could not stop their tears since they came quite close to securing a win but they could not, eventually, get the job done. Despite their valiant effort, which saw them fight back after being 179 all out, Pakistan were knocked out.

Speaking about the loss, Baig acknowledged the team’s lack of runs but also praised the fight produced by his bowlers right throughout the semi-final as well as in the tournament. Australia’s Tom Straker was in sublime form in the semi-final as he ended up with sensational figures of 6 for 24. The Australia medium pacer also had the best figures ever recorded in a knockout match at the Under 19 World Cup. Straker was superb with the ball and ensured Pakistan was restricted to an achievable total, despite notable contributions from Pakistan’s Azan Awais and Arafat Minhas, who both scored half-centuries. Australia appeared to be in control during the run chase at 146 for 5 but there was still some drama left after they suffered a sudden collapse and lost four wickets for just 18 runs. Raf MacMillan, ultimately, held his nerve as he guided the side to a thrilling win in the end. Australia will now face India in the U-19 World Cup final scheduled to be played at Willowmoore Park on Sunday, 11 February.