Pakistan vs Australia ICC Under 19 Live Cricket Score
Australia were upstaged in the last over by South Africa in the league phase, beat New Zealand comfortably and just managed to hold their breath against Sri Lanka in the semi-final, chasing 206. Since the start of 2009, they've been beaten in the two 50-over series they've been involved in, squandering leads in both instances to go down 1-2 to India and 2-3 to Sri Lanka. Though a much-improved outfit in this competition, measuring up to Pakistan's experience, form and stubbornness will be difficult.
Pakistan were among the frontrunners coming into this competition and have lived up to their reputation. They beat Zimbabwe 5-1 in a limited-overs series before being edged out by Sri Lanka in a tri-nation tournament. They began their World Cup campaign with an easy win over West Indies and a mauling of Papua New Guinea. But they have since been challenged. A late surge by wicketkeeper Mohammad Waqas snatched a penultimate ball win against Bangladesh, Hammad Azam's composure at the death handed them the much-cherished thrill of overcoming India and an inspired fightback, again by Hammad, helped them chase 212 against West Indies in the semi-final.
Players to watch
Hammad, an allrounder, has had the biggest impact on Pakistan's success. An integral part of the middle order, he's made it his responsibility to finish off games, shepherding Pakistan to three consecutive wins with his penchant for the big hits at the death and the maturity to wield restraint after an early collapse, as in the semi-final. Among those without first-class experience, Babar Azam has been a find. He is currently the third-highest run-getter in the tournament, but in conditions that have favoured fast bowlers of late, the swing of Sarmad Bhatti and Fayyaz Butt could prove hard to tackle.
Australia's fast-bowling trio of Josh Hazlewood, Alister McDermott and Nick Buchanan have grabbed 24 wickets between them at 16.22, forming the backbone of their team's attack. Captain Mitchell Marsh has starred in the knockout phase with half-centuries against New Zealand and Sri Lanka and remains a much sought-after scalp in the Australian top order.
Source - http://www.cricinfo.com/u19wc2010/content/current/story/446225.html
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