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Murphy the magician puts England in a tail-spin

By Tyler Maher

Jan 24, 2020

Todd Murphy etched his name into the storied annals of World Cup folklore overnight as part of a stunning - and ultimately match-winning - ninth wicket partnership for Australia.

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Facing old rival England for a spot in the knockout stage of the Under-19 World Cup in South Africa, the Aussies looked down and out after losing 6-53 chasing 253 for victory.

It brought Murphy to the crease with 47 runs required though, and alongside Connor Sully the penultimate pairing were tasked with what seemed like a nigh on impossible job of clubbing 40 runs from the final three overs.

But as it is in all the classics, belief was all Sully and Murphy needed to hold on to in order to send their country to the next stage of the tournament and simultaneously consign their opponents to consolation playoffs.

Sully did most of the damage - hitting three sixes and a four in his unbeaten 35 from 20 deliveries - but left-handed bat Murphy struck two crucial boundaries and fed his partner the strike superbly to play an important role in the sublime stand with 16 not out from 10 balls faced.

The heroics from Sully and Murphy nearly came unstuck on the penultimate delivery of the match as they searched for a second - and tying - run, with a bobble in the field from England helping Sully return to the safety of the crease.

His skied shot over the off-side infield then found acres of space from the final ball, sending Australia's camp into raptures and completing their very own Great Escape.

More to come.