An all-round display from Nivethan Radhakrishnan has secured Australia a two-wicket win over Afghanistan and third place in the Under-19 cricket World Cup in the West Indies.
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Indian-born Radhakrishnan took 3-31 with the ball as Afghanistan set Australia a target of 201 in the third-place playoff in Antigua, before scoring a half-century as Australia claimed victory with just five balls to spare.
While the ambidextrous Tasmanian recruit stood out with bat and ball, Australia were also aided by a good bowling display from William Salzmann who finished with 3-43 and reduced Afghanistan to 2-15 with early breakthroughs.
Radhakrishnan top-scored in Australia's chase with 66 off 96 balls while opener Campbell Kellaway also posted a half-century, making 51 off 82 deliveries.
"What we've done as a group through this World Cup has been marvellous," Radhakrishnan said.
"The boys have gone through so much physically and mentally. I think we've represented Australia the best we could have.
"To get third place and in a thriller like this where everyone was involved couldn't be prouder of ourselves."
England and India face off in the final of the tournament at the Sir Vivian Richards Cricket Ground in Antigua on Saturday (0000 Sunday AEDT).
Australian Associated Press
