Watch: Ali Raza took two wickets in one over against Australia to almost inspire Pakistan to a nail-biting win over Australia in the U19 World Cup semi-final.
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Pakistan were bundled out for 179 batting first, and all looked to be going as planned for Australia in the chase. They reached 102-4 by two balls into the 26th over, after a half-century from opener Harry Dixon. However, Dixon was bowled by Arafat Minhas for exactly 50, and though they continued to 146-5, a dramatic collapse almost cost Australia their place in the final.
After Minhas bowled Tom Campbell for the sixth wicket, 15-year-old Raza was brought back on to bowl in the 32nd over. In his opening spell, he’d bowled Sam Konstas with a ball that jagged back in between bat and pad. With Australia only needing another 25 to win, Oliver Peake swiped at a delivery down the leg side from Raza and got a fine nick on it through to the keeper, leaving Australia seven down.
Two overs later and in the last of his spell, Raza sent down a back of a length ball outside off stump, which Tom Straker couldn’t resist attempting to flay away into the off side. However, the ball bounced higher than Straker was anticipating, and he got a fine edge on it through to the keeper. After bowling two dot balls to No.10 Mahli Beardman, Raza bowled the ball of the match.
He pitched the ball on a length on off stump, angled in to Beadman, who played down the wrong line completely. The ball just trimmed the top of the off stump bail, causing it jump out of its groove. With Beardman out, Australia had one wicket left needing another 16 runs from the final four overs of the match.
Despite Raza’s efforts, Australia just managed to sneak over the line. Raf MacMillan hit a four off the first ball of the final over to secure their place in Sunday’s final against India.
Watch: Ali Raza takes two wickets in one over in U19 semi-final
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