Semi-final 2 Report: Australia set up senior World Cup final repeat with dramatic one-wicket win over Pakistan. The ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 final will see Australia facing off against India after the former edged Pakistan in a thrilling contest in Benoni. If India’s narrow win over South Africa in the first semi-final was not enough, Benoni bore witness to another nail-biter as Australia beat Pakistan by one wicket to join India in the tournament final. Reduced to nine wickets with 16 runs still required in a run-chase of 180, Pakistan had one foot in the final. However, Australia’s last-wicket pair held their nerve, defying the odds to clinch the match with just five balls remaining, leaving the spectators on the edge of their seats. Pakistan skipper Saad Baig commended Ali Raza for his splendid spell, but remained composed despite the heartbreaking loss. “It is difficult to be the losing team, but I felt we were 20-30 runs short. The boys played really well. Ali Raza was brilliant. Our bowling was pretty good throughout the tournament. Anyway, one team has to win, one has to lose, that’s the game.”

 In a game that see-sawed back and forth, Ubaid Shah was the difference, taking a sensational five-wicket haul to hold off a resilient Bangladesh. Despite multiple drop catches, the eventual victors created several opportunities with the ball. Their fielders redeemed themselves with spectacular catches, providing invaluable support to the bowlers and ultimately sealing a tense and hard-fought victory in Benoni.  Pakistan defended a low total in Benoni against Bangladesh to become the fourth semi-finalist in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 after India, Australia and South Africa had claimed their spots earlier in the week.

Melbourne, Australia Cricket Australia is gearing up to infuse vibrancy into the upcoming Boxing Day Test by unveiling a spectacular Pakistan Fan Zone outside Gate 4 of the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). This three-day activation is set up to elevate the spectator experience, offering a harmonious blend of cricket, culture, and entertainment. Notably, traditional Char Pai’s (woven beds) will be arranged for fans to relax and savor the game in a traditional setting outside the MCG. A fan-walk on the first day of the Test is also scheduled, providing an opportunity for passionate Pakistan supporters to showcase their unwavering devotion to the visiting side. A special tape ball cricket match is on the agenda, injecting an element of traditional street cricket into the festive atmosphere. Catering to diverse culinary preferences, the fan zone will feature a Halal Desi food truck, ensuring a delightful array of flavors for attendees. Throughout the three-day activation, attendees can immerse themselves in participation zones designed to enhance their overall match-day experience. The entertainment lineup peaks with a live performance by the talented Faisal Amlani on the morning of Day 1, just before the first ball is bowled. For those desiring a more laid-back viewing experience, ‘The Outfield’ provides a designated area equipped with deck chairs, bean bags, and picnic rugs. This space caters to fans seeking relief from the sun or those who prefer to stay close to the action outside the stadium.

Australia While talking to local media he said, “We are excited about the upcoming Pakistan series. Witnessing the competitiveness of these teams during their last encounter in Pakistan was truly remarkable. The incredible support shown by Pakistan fans when their team reached the finals in the T20 World Cup last year was inspiring. “We anticipate a tremendous amount of backing from Pakistani fans during the Benaud Qadir Trophy, and we would be delighted to see them in full force in Perth, Melbourne, and Sydney. “The Prime Minister XI game presented a valuable opportunity for Pakistani batters to gain experience in Australian conditions. It’s unfortunate that the game couldn’t be completed due to significant weather disruptions overnight before the final day of play. We have witnessed two substantial scores from both sides. This series serves as excellent preparation and a confidence booster for the Pakistan side. The captain’s exceptional batting performance, scoring 200, was a testament to their skill and resilience.”

Australia- Drop-in pitches installed at Perth Stadium ahead of the upcoming NRMA Insurance West Test between Australia and Pakistan The World Cup and ICC World Test Champion Australians will take on Pakistan from December 14-18 at Perth Stadium, showcasing Western Australia to the world. The wicket square consists of five drop-in pitches, with each one weighing around 25 tonnes and the entire installation process taking more than two days. The drop-in wicket has been curated at the stadium since February, tended to daily by WA Cricket curators in the nursery located next to the outdoor practice wickets on the northern side of the stadium. The drop-in wicket contains the same local clay and grass species as the pitches at the WACA Ground and is closely monitored during its growth to replicate the Ground’s fast and bouncy nature. Last week, the drop-in wicket was moved by a 30-meter-long, 40-tonne cricket wicket transporter onto the stadium playing surface. The machine is the only one of its kind in Western Australia. This will be followed by five Perth Scorchers BBL|13 home matches, with the reigning titleholders to play their first home match on December 20.

Australia won the Cricket World Cup for a record-extending sixth time Sunday, ending India’s dominant run in its home tournament with a six-wicket victory in a low-scoring final on the back of Travis Head’s 137. Australia have pulled off an upset by beating hosts and undefeated tournament favourites India by six wickets to win the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 in Ahmedabad and extend their staggering record of title wins to seven. The calm but experienced Australian side sailed to a comfortable win despite losing three early wickets in their run chase at a packed Narendra Modi Stadium on Sunday evening.

Pakistan, Australia upcoming first test named as ‘West Test’ Cricket Australia (CA) has introduced a new name for the Perth Test, calling it ‘The West Test,’ and has unveiled an exciting in-stadium experience inspired by the iconic WACA ‘The West Test Hill’ The West Test Hill will include a family area with games for children and ample shaded seating spaces for fans to relax and enjoy the first Test match of the summer. Schedule of Pakistan’s Test tour of Australia First Test: December 14-18, Perth Stadium Second Test: December 26-30, MCG Third Test: January 3-7, SCG