Nivethan Radhakrishnan starred with ball (3-31) and bat (66 in 96 balls) to help Australia beat Afghanistan by two wickets in the third-place Playoff of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2022 at Coolidge Cricket Ground.
Afghanistan were bowled out for 201 in 49.2 overs after Suliman Safi opted to bat. Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai hit a 79-ball 81 from No. 5, but received little support. Mohammad Ishaq (34) and Safi (37) failed to convert their starts, and the others could not even cross 10.
William Salzmann claimed three wickets as well, while Cooper Connolly returned 2-30 in 6.2 overs. Jack Sinfield went wicketless, but conceded under three and a half an over.
In response, Australia got off to a steady start, courtesy a 53-run opening wicket stand between Campbell Kellaway (51) and Teague Wyllie (13). Kharote (3-35) cleaned up Wyllie in the 12th over, but Kellaway and Radhakrishnan added 50 for the second wicket to keep Australia on the driver’s seat.
Australia were in control at 193/5, but slipped to 196/8 in no time. Shahidullah Hasani (2-44) and Noor Ahmad (2-43) tried, but they had little to defend. The 27 extras conceded by Afghanistan eventually helped Australia get past the line in the final over.
Brief Scores: Afghanistan 201 in 49.2 overs (Ijaz Ahmad Ahmadzai 81; Nivethan Radhakrishnan 3-31) lost to Australia 202/8 in 49.1 overs (Nivethan Radhakrishnan 66; Nangeyalia Kharote 3-35) by 2 wickets with 5 balls to spare. Player of the Match: Nivethan Radhakrishnan.