Sports

Unbeaten Australia wins under-19 cricket World Cup after beating India by 79 runs in South Africa

By Associated Press

Australia celebrates winning the ICC U19 men's Cricket World Cup Final between India and Australia and overall tournament, in Benoni, South Africa. Photo: AP

BENONI, FEBRUARY 12

Harjas Singh top-scored with 55 runs as Australia finished unbeaten to win the men's under-19 World Cup after beating India by 79 runs in the final on Sunday.

After electing to bat, Australia scored 253-7 in its 50 overs. The Australians then bowled India out for 174 with player of the match Mahli Beardman (3-15) and Raf MacMillan (3-43) the leading bowlers for the winners.

Opener Ardah Singh led India with 47 runs while Murugan Abhishek added 42. Raj Limbani took 3-38 to lead the Indian bowlers.

It was Australia's fourth under-19 men's World Cup victory and its first since 2010 when current internationals Mitch Marsh and Josh Hazlewood were members of the squad.

'We knew this was going to be a tough tournament given the standard of some of the teams and to go through undefeated says a lot about the talent we have in our squad and the excellence of our planning and preparation,' said Australia captain Hugh Weibgen, who scored 48 runs in the final.