Australia sauntered into the ICC Under-19 World Cup final by dashing Afghanistan's dream run with a six-wicket victory, built around Jack Edward's half-century after some splendid bowling, in Christchurch, on Monday.
Australia looked on course for a total in the range of 250 in the 40th over before India's spinners took charge. The Jason Sangha-led side lost its last six wickets for 33 runs and was dismissed in 47.2 overs.
The side, led by Jason Sangha, also includes Will Sutherland, son of Cricket Australia's (CA) chief executive James Sutherland. Sutherland Jr is the vice-captain of the side.
With a fourth crown, India also surpassed Australia in the race of most U-19 World Cup titles. Prior to the final, India and Australia were locked at three titles each.
Cricket Australia XI were 356/6 in 102 overs at stumps in response to India's 358 all out at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Friday. More than the runs scored by CA XI, it was Shaw's ankle injury which gave India major grief as he was ruled out of the first Test in Adelaide starting December 6.
India will look to make the most of their only warm-up game, beginning, in Sydney, on Wednesday against Cricket Australia XI.
After bagging lucrative deals at the Indian Premier League Players' Auction, the Indian team will be eager to deliver when they face arch-rivals Pakistan in the second semi-final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Christchurch, on Tuesday.
Unstoppable thus far, India are hoping to rewrite the record books with a fourth title when the Rahul Dravid-coached side squares off against an equally formidable Australia in the final of the ICC Under-19 World Cup, in Maunganui, New Zealand, on Saturday.
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