(MENAFN-Khaleej Times) South Africa will meet Pakistan, who beat England by three wickets in the first semi-final on Monday, in the final at the same venue on Saturday
Rabada’s six-wicket haul helps Proteas thrash Australia to set up title clash against Pakistan
Kagiso Rabada picked up six wickets and starred in South Africa’s 80-run victory over Australia in the ICC Under-19 World Cup semi-final at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium on Wednesday. South Africa will meet Pakistan, who beat England by three wickets in the first semi-final on Monday, in the final at the same venue on Saturday.
The 18-year old pacer from Johannesburg took six for 26 and crushed the Aussies in his devastating spell of 8.2 overs. Rabada has so far snapped up 13 wickets from four matches he played in the tourney.
Rabada’s pace, touching 90mph, made all the difference in the second semi-final as Australia, who chased 231 for victory, were put on the back foot when they lost three wickets for 33 by the end of ninth over. He struck first in the fourth over by sending back opener Matthew Short for seven and then clean bowled Jaron Morgan (12) and Damien Mortimer (4).
However, a 63-run fourth wicket partnership between Jake Doran and Alex Gregory revived Australia’s chances, but Rabada was in the thick of action again by taking a good catch at mid-off off the bowling of Corbin Bosch to send back skipper Gregory, who made a 56-ball 31 with three fours.
Bosch, who finished with 2-25 from eight overs, struck again in the 33rd over. Rabada was back with another devastating spell, this time cleaning up the tail with three wickets as Australia were bundled out for 150 in 42.2 overs. Earlier, Clyde Fortuin hit a fine half-century to guide South Africa, who chose to bat first, to 230 for nine in 50 overs. Fortuin, the 18-year old wicketkeeper from Cape Town, hammered eight fours in his 92-ball 74 and added 105 for the first wicket with captain Aiden Markram.
The duo gave a sound platform for South Africa and Markram, who made a 63-ball 45 with four boundaries, was the first to go when medium pacer James Bazley picked up his lone wicket in the 21st over. Despite the Proteas getting a century partnership for the opening wicket, they struggled after the dismissal of Markram, who had scored two centuries prior to this match.
But when off-spinner Matthew Short had Fortuin caught at extra cover in the 31st over, Australia were back in the match through their spinners. Short operated an excellent spell, bagging two for 14 from seven overs. Left-arm spinner Thomas Andrews, who finished with figures of 1-46 from 10, sent back Gred Oldfield for 19.
When Kirwin Christoffels, who chipped in with a composed 20 off 39 balls, including one four, too departed in the 35th over, South Africa had a middle-order slump.
However, a timely 31 from Yaseen Valli ensured a competitive score for South Africa, who looked to cross 250 easily at one stage. The 18-year old all-rounder from Norwood hit three boundaries in his 36-ball knock. Jason Smith was unbeaten on 11 off 12 balls with one boundary as South Africa made 230 for 9 in 50 overs. Pacers Billy Stanlake and Ben Ashkenazi took two wickets apiece.
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