Australian under-19 squad returns from World Cup triumph

Australia's world champion under-19 team returns from New Zealand tomorrow (11 February 2002) after yesterday's victory over South Africa in the final of the International Cricket Council (ICC) Under-19 Cricket World Cup.

The Australians, undefeated throughout the tournament, reached South Africa's target of 207 in the 46th over with seven wickets to spare in the one-day international match at Bert Sutcliffe Oval in Lincoln.

Left-handed opener Jarrod Burke hit the winning runs to end on 100 not out. Earlier, right-arm swing bowler Aaron Bird took 4-47 off his 10 overs. Bird's efforts won him the man-of-the-match award.

Australian captain Cameron White made 22 to take his runs aggregate to 423 - the highest of the tournament.

Left-arm orthodox spinner Xavier Doherty took 2-26 off his 10 overs to reach 16 wickets and lead the competition's wicket-takers list.

Australia's win was its first since the inaugural (unofficial) under-19 World Cup in 1988. No World Cups were staged between 1988 and 1998. The event has been held every two years since 1998.