Australia's next generation of cricketers proved they are primed to make it to the top when they won the Under-19 cricket World Cup 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 first country to claim the crown three times. 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-time winner of the tournament, started the 43rd over of their reply needing 51 runs with four wickets in hand. But the collapse started when off-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 its innings shakily and was 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 its reply and was 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. Greatbatch to coach NZ New Zealand ended a three-month global search for a national cricket coach Saturday with the appointment of former local Test batsman Mark Greatbatch. The 46-year-old replaces Andy Moles who stepped down as Blackcaps coach last October amid player appeals for his dismissal. Captain Daniel Vettori who acted as coach in last month's series against Pakistan and in preparation for the Bangladesh tour which starts next week will also retain a high-level role, New Zealand Cricket (NZC) said. “We have put a great deal of thought, and consulted widely, about how we progress the current Blackcaps unit, without upsetting the current leadership momentum within the team,” NZC chief executive Justin Vaughan said. Vaughan did not release the names of others under consideration for the coaching position but said they had “considered the credentials of a number of high-profile international options.” Greatbatch, who played 41 Tests for New Zealand, will also continue his role as a Blackcaps selector while Vettori will continue his involvement in team selection, tactics and strategy. The Greatbatch announcement came a day after New Zealand Cricket said Ross Taylor would step in as captain should Vettori be unable to lead the side during the upcoming series against Bangladesh and Australia. The role was previously filled by wicketkeeper Brendon McCullum.
