Leg-spinner Lloyd Pope took the best figures ever in an Under-19 World Cup as Australia pulled off a stunning victory in their quarterfinal against England in Queenstown yesterday.
Pope finished with 8-35 from 9.4 overs to help bowl England out for just 96 as the Aussies successfully defended a total of 127 to advance to the semifinals.
England seemed to be cruising at 0-47 in their chase before Pope struck, the red-haired leggie taking 3-2 in the space of 10 balls to give the Aussies a sniff.
In scenes reminiscent of Shane Warne's match-turning spell in the 1999 World Cup semifinal against South Africa, a fired-up Pope passionately and vocally urged his teammates on during his initial burst, despite England still being in a strong position.
And the 18-year-old finished the job as the Australians progressed to the final four amid jubilant celebrations. They will now face either New Zealand or Afghanistan in the semifinals.
Pope, who said his hero was Warne, earned the legend's appreciation as Warne tweeted: "This is terrific & brings a huge smile to my face. Lloyd give it a rip -- well done & congrats ! Spin to win my friend."
