Jonathan Merlo made a solid 76 before the India's left-arm spin duo of Shiva Singh and Anukul Roy sprung into action, limiting the opposition to 216 all out in the ICC U-19 World Cup final on Saturday. At 183 for four, Australia looked well on course to reach 250 in a high-pressure until the Indian spinners engineered the collapse with Jason Sangha-led side losing its last six wickets for 33 runs. Australia, who had little hesitation in batting first, were guilty of not converting starts into big partnerships. Merlo and Param Uppal (34) were involved in a 75-run stand for the fourth wicket before the innings' top-scorer shared 49-runs with Nathan McSweeney (23) to set the platform for a competitive total. However, the momentum shifted hugely into India's favour when Shiva (2/36) set up Sweeney to have the batsman caught and bowled, leaving Australia at 183 for five. (Live Scorecard)
Earlier India's leading wicket-taker Roy (2/32) had sent back Uppal in similar fashion as offered a simple catch back to the bowler while attempting to play against the spin. While Indian spinners delivered under pressure in the middle overs, the pacers were impressive again upfront and towards the end. Hitting through the line was not easy as the surface was on the slower side. The best example of that was the dismissal of openers Jack Edwards (28) and Max Bryant (14). Pacer Ishan Porel (2/30) got rid of both the openers who punched a rising ball straight to cover. Kamlesh Nagarkoti (2/41), another find for India in the tournament, removed Australian captain Jason Sangha (13) that moved away just enough to take the edge to the wicket-keeper. Nagarkoti along with Shivam Mavi (1/46) also helped in polishing off the tail after Shiva's accurate throw from deep had Baxter Bolt run out on 13.
When and Where to watch: India (IND) vs Australia (Aus)
(IND) Vs (AUS) is scheduled for a 6:30 AM IST (01:00 AM GMT) start. Live Streaming and TV information for the match can be found below.
India: TV: Star Sports 1 (Tamil), Star Sports 2, Star Sports 2 HD, Star Sports 1 Hindi, Star Sports 1 Hindi HD
International: Live Streaming: Cricketgateway.
South Africa: TV: SuperSport Two. Live Streaming: SuperSport Live Video.
UK: TV: Sky Sports 2. Live Streaming: Watch Sky Sports.
USA: TV: Willow TV. Live Streaming: Willow TV Online.
Middle East: TV: OSN Sports Cricket HD. Live Streaming: OSN Play.
India vs Australia U19 World Cup Live
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217 needed then for India, to become the World Cup Champions amongst the Colts for the 4th time. Can Australia stop the Indian juggernaut? Join us back at 1800 local (0500 GMT) to find out.
Jonathan Merlo is giving an interview to Robert Key. He says that the pitch is good for both bat and ball. He says if you bowl well, it is difficult to score. But if you bat well you can score. Admits that there is a bit of turn on the surface which is a bit slow as well. Hopes that his spinners can do a good job. Is confident that if Australia bowl well, 216 can be defended.
Let us cast our minds back to 2012. It was the Under-19 World Cup final involving the same two teams - Australia and India. Then too, the Aussies batted first, posting a similar total - 225. It was thought to be a decent score but India chased it down pretty comfortably. Could be a similar case today. The difference between that Indian side and this one is that the 2018 unit looks prepared for all tests, the only thing being that it has not been tested so far.
India were brilliant with the ball but could have been much better. They were too short today and allowed the new batsmen to settle down comfortably. They focussed more on saving the boundaries than attacking the batsmen. Still, decent outing for all the bowlers with Porel, Shiva, Nagarkoti and Roy picking up 2 wickets each. Excellent team effort.
The surface is slow, no doubt but definitely not one which cannot give runs. The top order threw its wickets away while the middle order could not convert its starts. Only Jonathan Merlo played an innings of some substance, going deep till the 46th over. Had he departed early, the Aussies would not have even crossed 150. Remember, he was dropped on 0. The Indian side were generous on the field today, with 2 dropped catches and 3 missed run outs.
An under-par score from Australia. If truth be told, they are lucky to get to this total in the first place. India bowled well but they could have been better, had they adjusted their lines and lengths earlier.
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Shivam Mavi to
OUT! Australia have been bowled out with 16 balls left. Criminal offense. Full and outside off, Hadley looks to drive but misses. The keeper appeals straightaway but the bowler is not that sure. Hadley starts to walk but then realizes that the umpire has not given it out. He now waits but then the umpire raises his finger! Nice acting by Hadley, showing a shocked look but well theatre perhaps is not the best need right now. INDIA NEED 217 FOR THE TITLE!
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Shivam Mavi to
Full and outside off, Hadley gets across and then shoulders arms. Test match stuff. Nice poise.
Shivam Mavi is back on.
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Kamlesh Nagarkoti to
Full and outside off, pushed straight to cover. 2 runs and 2 wickets from the over. Nagarkoti's figures read 9-0-41-2.
