Australia took one step closer to defending their ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup title as they sealed a semi-final berth with a thrilling win over West Indies.
In the marquee Super Six Group 1 clash on Wednesday, Australia posted a daunting total of 314 for seven. Though West Indies ran them close, they eventually fell short by 22 runs, finishing their innings at 292 for nine.
Australia are unbeaten in the tournament so far and became the first team from their group to progress to the final four. With eight points from four matches, they have opened up an unassailable lead in Group 1. Though the result set back West Indies’ chance to make the semi-final, they still have a minscule chance, along with Afghanistan and Sri Lanka.
Behind Australia, the race remains wide open, with multiple teams still mathematically in contention.
Afghanistan occupy second place, keeping their semi-final hopes firmly alive, while Sri Lanka remain in third position and are still mathematically in contention depending on upcoming results and net run rate. Both sides have four points each and strong wins would boost their respective semi-final prospectcs.
West Indies have a minor chance of making it through to the next round but have their fate completely out of their hands. They would need both Afghanistan and Sri Lanka to lose by big enough margins for the net run rate swing to make the situation in their favour.
Qualification scenarios in this group are likely to come down to results in the final Super Six matches, along with net run rate calculations. Any heavy defeat could prove costly, making margins just as important as match outcomes. Group 1 is set for a tense finish.
Remaining matches:
South Africa vs Sri Lanka (January 29)
Afghanistan vs Ireland (January 30)
Group 2 Standings
Front-runners eye early qualification
The leading teams in Group 2 have taken advantage of strong starts in the Super Six stage.
India and England currently sit in prime positions after registering key wins. A victory in their remaining matches would seal semi-final qualification, while even a narrow loss could still keep them in contention depending on other results
Pakistan still in the hunt
Despite sitting behind the front-runners, Pakistan remain very much in the race. They will need a positive result against India and will be keeping a close eye on England’s match against New Zealand. Net run rate could again play a decisive role if teams finish level on points.
Bangladesh, New Zealand and Zimbabwe have been eliminated from semi-final contention.
With marquee encounters still to be played, Group 2 promises high-stakes cricket as teams chase a place in the last four.
