Jonathan Merlo

Australia sauntered into the ICC Under-19 World Cup final by halting Afghanistan's dream run with a six-wicket victory, built around Jack Edward's half-century after a splendid bowling show on Monday.

Australia, on the back of two strong partnerships and a fighting half-century from Jonathan Merlo, were going strong before they lost their last six wickets for 33 runs.

When and where can you follow the action from the ICC U-19 World Cup 2018 final between India and Australia

Eyeing a maiden Test series win in Australia, India will look to make the most of their only warm-up game, beginning here Wednesday against Cricket Australia XI.

Optimism mingled with an eagerness to know what lies ahead as India's potential future stars geared up to lock horns with Australia in their big-ticket campaign opener of the ICC U-19 World Cup on Sunday.

Defending champion West Indies will open its campaign against host New Zealand in ICC Under 19 Cricket World Cup starting 13th January. The West Indies will play the inaugural Group A day-night fixture at Bay Oval in Tauranga on the opening day of the event which runs from 13 January - 3 February featuring 16 teams across seven venues in four cities - Christchurch, Queenstown, Tauranga and Whangarei.

A clinical bowling performance by India saw them restrict Australia to 216, a total that Prithvi Shaw and his men gunned down comfortably in the end to etch their name in history books.

From Kohli to Smith, most modern-day greats have learnt the ropes in the Under-19 World Cup, which has gained significance with every passing edition. The boys not only become men here, they also become household names with millions following the live broadcast of the competition.