Australia ready for India challenge in Under-19 World Cup decider

Saturday, 10 February 2024 01:14 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Australia Captain Hugh Weibgen wants his side to embrace the challenge of facing reigning champions India when the two teams meet in the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup Final on Sunday.

The Aussies booked their place in the tournament decider with a thrilling one-wicket triumph over a gallant Pakistan in Benoni on Thursday and now have two days off to prepare for the clash against the five-time winners of the Under-19 World Cup.

It will be the third ICC event on the trot that Austalia and India have met in the final, after the two rivals played out thrilling encounters in the ICC World Test Championship Final and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Final last year.

And while Weibgen knows defeating India will prove a tough ask for his side, the Australia Captain believes his team is full of character and will be ready for the stiff challenge.

“India are a class team, they’ll come out and compete really hard – we’ll love that challenge, we’ll love that fight and we are really looking forward to it,” Weibgen said.

Australia have won three Under-19 World Cup titles with their most recent success coming back in 2010, when a young Mitch Marsh-led side clinched a 25-run victory over Pakistan in the final in New Zealand.