AUS U19 VS NAM U19 MATCH 9

Right then, that's all from this entertaining game where Australia Under-19 came out on top, but Namibia Under-19 gave a good account of themselves with the ball, and there were plenty of positives for them. The 2024 Under-19 World Cup action does not stop here for the day, as the Group A clash between Bangladesh and Ireland is currently taking place at the Mangaung Oval in Bloemfontein. In that game, Bangladesh have started well in their pursuit of 236 runs. You can switch tabs and follow all the action from that game, which might well go down to the wire. See you there, cheers!

The skipper of Australia Under-19, Hugh Weibgen says that his bowlers wanted to bowl more and he has some quality pacers in the squad. Adds that they will look back on their mistakes and work on improving them. Mentions that it is good to spend some time and build a good partnership with Rafael Macmillan to ensure victory.

The captain of Namibia Under-19, Alexander Volschenk says that he is very happy with the way bowlers bowled and adds that they were always going to fight hard. He mentions that they need to build confidence and practice more in the nets. Adds that the pacers impressed him and he is happy with their performance

Callum Vidler is the PLAYER OF THE MATCH for his stellar bowling performance. He says that when they came to the ground they knew they would get good bounce. He credits Charlie Anderson for building the pressure early on and helping him take wickets. Adds that his fuller length deliveries were aimed at the stumps and again says that he looks up to Pat Cummins.

Time for the presentation ceremony...

Earlier in the game, it was the skipper of Australia, Hugh Weibgen, who won the toss and asked Namibia Under-19 to bat first. There was not much home to write home about their batting effort as the relentless Aussie pace attack simply blew them away. Only two batters managed to get into double figures, which tells you everything you need to know about their dismal batting display. Zacheo Vuuren and skipper Alexander Volschenk showed resistance and fought hard during their stay in the middle. However, the relentless Australian pace quartet kept coming at them, and they eventually threw in the towel. Furthermore, the Namibian tail was not able to wag, which meant that they were bundled over for 91. For Australia Under-19, Callum Vidler was the star of the show with four wickets, and he was well supported by Tom Straker and Rafael Macmillan, who took three and two wickets, respectively.

As for Namibia Under-19, it was a commendable effort to pick six wickets and make Australia work hard for every run. Despite the defeat, they will go back with their heads held high, and they have signalled a warning to Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, the other two teams in this group, that they are not to be taken lightly. The Namibian pacers took a leaf out of the book of their Aussie counterparts as they kept it tight and did not give much away to the Australian openers. Junior Kariata could not have much of an impact but Jack Brassell and Hanro Badenhorst combined well to put the cat among the pigeons. Having reduced Australia to 57-5, they had more than a glimmer of hope but the pacers were not able to keep the pressure on in a fashion as they would have liked and just did not have enough runs on the board. Towards the end, Henry Van Wyk picked up a wicket but it was nothing more than a consolation.

Australia Under-19 huffed and puffed but they eventually got over the line for their first win in the 2024 Under-19 World Cup! The three-time champions were given a scare but skipper, Hugh Weibgen led from the front to secure the victory. With only 92 runs to chase, for Australia, it was a matter of when rather than if. Harry Dixon got himself going with a couple of crisp boundaries, but his opening partner, Sam Konstas, fell early. Just as Dixon was starting to come to terms with the pace and bounce, a loose shot led to his downfall. Coming in at number 3, skipper Hugh Weibgen held one end, but the incoming batters kept playing away from their bodies and fell one after the other. Weibgen weathered the storm and found an alley in Rafael Macmillan to settle down the nerves in the dressing room. Macmillan fell as he went for the glory shot but Australia were within touch distance by then and fittingly, it was captain Weibgen with the winning runs and stayed unbeaten on 39.

FOUR! WINS THE MATCH IN STYLE! Floats it up and on off, Hugh Weibgen times his drive well and finds the gap through covers. The ball races away to the deep covers fence for four runs and Australia Under-19 have got off to a strong start in this tournament.

Fullish on off. Hugh Weibgen drives it again to mid off and the fielding is still on the money.

A low full toss outside off. Hugh Weibgen hits it hard towards mid off who makes a fantastic stop.

Tossed full on off. Hugh Weibgen punches it to covers but can't pierce the gap.

FOUR! SCORES ARE LEVEL! Quicker and flatter outside off from Peter-Daniel Blignaut. Hugh Weibgen waits for it and plays it late guiding it through short third. The ball runs away to the fence for four runs and only a single needed to win.

Charlie Anderson comes out to bat with Australia Under-19 within touch distance. They need just 5 more runs here.

OUT! TAKEN! POOR SHOT! Henry Van Wyk drops it short over off. Rafael Macmillan rocks back and tries to slap it over the infield. He ends up lofting it straight up in the air towards mid on. Ryan Hicks takes an easy catch and Henry Van Wyk strikes in his first over. An unnecessary shot by Rafael Macmillan which leads to his dismissal.

A bit short turning away from leg. Rafael Macmillan tries to nudge it but gets some pad on it. A loud appeal but no response from the umpire.

Uppish and in middle. Rafael Macmillan drives it back to Henry Van Wyk.