WELLINGTON: Australia became the first country to complete a hat-trick of World Under-19 titles when they won the ICC Under-19 World Cup on Saturday, beating Pakistan by 25 runs in the final.
In a four-over burst they ripped out the Pakistan tail at Lincoln Oval in Christchurch to become the side to claim the crown.

Australia won their third ICC Under-19 World Cup title after Pakistan fell short by 25 runs to end their undefeated run. —AFP Photo Cricket

After being sent into bat first Australia posted 207 for the loss of nine wickets with Kane Richardson notching up a rapid 44, Tim Armstrong adding 37 and Jason Floros 35.

The match appeared evenly poised when Pakistan, two-times winner of the tournament, started the 43rd over of their reply needing 51 runs with four wickets in hand.

But the collapse started when offs-spinner Floros bowled Pakistan captain Azeem Ghumman for 41.
It was Floros' sole wicket in the final but provided an important breakthrough as the remaining three Pakistan wickets tumbled within four overs for the addition of only 26 more runs.

Australian had earlier started their innings shakily and were 23-3 and then 82-5 before Richardson put steel into the performance with his run-a-ball cameo to ensure Australia passed the psychological 200 mark.

Pakistan made a steady start to their reply and were 110-4 after 30 overs but aside from Ghumman and 36 from Ahmad Shahzad there was no batting of significance.

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood took the man-of-the-match award with four for 30.

Australia: 207-9 in 50 overs (Kane Richardson 44, Tim Armstrong 37, Jason Floros 35; Sarmad Bhatti 3-33, Fayyaz Butt 2-37)

Pakistan: 182 in 46.4 overs (Azeem Ghumman 41, Ahmad Shahzad 38, Josh Hazlewood 4-30).