Australia boost semi-final hopes with victory over UAE

Australia have moved closer to an Under-19 T20 World Cup semi-final berth after clinching a six-wicket win over the UAE in Potchefstroom.

Needing a big win to boost their net run rate, Australia were put on the back foot by a brilliant half-century from UAE skipper Theertha Satish (58 off 48) which carried her side to 8-107.

Notching a win was the most important priority for Australia’s semi-final hopes, and a 38-ball 51 from Kate Pelle set the tone for her side as they reached their target in 15.1 overs.

With both their Super Six games now completed, Australia sit second in Group 1 behind India; both teams are level on six points, but India’s net run rate of +2.844 is superior to Australia’s +2.210.

Australia had needed to chase their target in 9.2 overs to achieve the necessary NRR boost to leap above India, but they still hold a significant advantage over fellow semi-final hopefuls South Africa and Bangladesh, who have NRRs of +0.508 and +0.251 respectively with a game to play each.

South Africa play Sri Lanka on Tuesday, and Bangladesh meet the UAE on Wednesday.

After Australia elected to bowl, 15-year-old Maggie Clark (3-20) got the first breakthrough from the final ball of the second over when she held onto a sharp return chance to remove Lavanya Keny for five.

But aggressive stroke play from Satish and some uncharacteristic errors in the field saw the UAE take the upper hand, as they reached 1-39 after powerplay, and 1-66 at the end of 10 overs.

Satish brought up her half-century off 38 balls to the delight of her teammates, and it took the return of Clark in the 12th over finally break the 58-run second-wicket partnership with Samaira Dharnidharka well caught by Ella Hayward at short mid-wicket for a 26-ball 17.

Hayward then struck to remove Mahika Gaur lbw (3), before a superb running catch from Ella Wilson in the deep sealed the key wicket of Satish for 58 and swung the momentum firmly back in Australia’s favour.

Regular wickets fell as Australia restricted their rivals to 7-41 off the final 10 overs, Clark picking up her third via another excellent Wilson catch as the UAE finished on 8-107.

Australia will now wait for the results of the remaining Group 1 matches to learn their semi-final fate; should they advance, they will most likely meet an undefeated England side.

ICC Women's Under-19 T20 World Cup 2023

Australia squad: Rhys McKenna (c),Charis Bekker, Paris Bowdler, Maggie Clark, Sianna Ginger, Lucy Hamilton, Paris Hall, Ella Hayward, Milly Illingworth, Eleanor Larosa, Claire Moore, Kate Pelle, Ananaya Sharma, Amy Smith, Ella Wilson. 

Australia’s schedule  

View the full schedule and standings here

January 14: Bangladesh beat Australia by seven wickets

January 16: Australia beat USA by nine wickets

January 18: Australia beat Sri Lanka by 108 runs

Super Six stage

January 21: Australia beat India by seven wickets 

January 23: Australia beat UAE by six wickets 

* If Australia qualify:

Final: January 29, JB Marks Oval, Potchefstroom, 1.45pm local (10.45pm AEDT)