Aussie young guns hunting ‘blood in the water’ at Under 19 Cricket World Cup

Australia’s next generation of cricket superstars are “on the hunt” against a strong Pakistan team in the Under 19 Cricket World Cup semi-final.

Raf MacMillan took 3-16 against England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Rising off-spinner Raf MacMillan says Australia’s Under-19 World Cup side will be hunting for “blood in the water” when it takes on Pakistan in Thursday night’s semi-final.

The New South Welshman bypassed a fierce bowling attack and destructive top order when outlining the Aussies’ greatest strength.

He instead directed focus towards the intense and energetic nature of the side in the field.

MacMillan, from St George Cricket Club in Sydney – the same club where Don Bradman played grade cricket – is confident if there’s “blood in the water”, the Aussies will pounce.

“Our fast bowling has been great and we’ve always had someone in the top four or five step up,” he said.

“But I actually think as a team, we’re always on the hunt in the field.

“We’re intense, there’s always a lot of energy – especially if one of our fast bowlers has the wind behind them.

“I feel like if we get a bit of blood in the water, we will just take it from there.”

Raf MacMillan took 3-16 against England. (Photo by Matthew Lewis-ICC/ICC via Getty Images)

Australia is undefeated heading into the semi-final in Benoni, having won each of their three matches with Namibia, Zimbabwe and England.

Thursday’s match is the Aussies’ first encounter since Friday’s rain-affected match against the West Indies.

The game was abandoned just 4.3 overs into Australia’s defence of 8-227 after rising New South Welshman Sam Konstas plundered 108 off 121 balls.

MacMillan said the break had allowed the quicks to freshen up.

“The fast bowlers have done such a great job in the first four games, so as much rest as they can get will benefit our team,” he said.

MacMillan has captured five wickets at 17.4 from his three chances with the ball and hit 29 during his last innings with the bat.

Konstas and captain, from Queensland, Hugh Weibgen, who is fifth in the tournament for runs, are the Aussies’ best chances with the bat.

Queensland seamer Callum Vidler is Australia’s most dangerous bowler.

From Pakistan, Shahzaib Khan – 260 runs for the tournament – and Ubaid Shah – 17 wickets – are the two players to keep out of the game.

The winner of the match between Australia and Pakistan will take on India – also in Benoni – after they defeated hosts South Africa on Tuesday night.