2018 U-19 World Cup: Instances when reigning champions were ousted in the first round

Australia in 2004

Tim Paine's Australia were out in the first round of the 2004 U19 World Cup

Australia won their second U19 World Cup title in 2002 in New Zealand. Led by Tim Paine, Australia were considered one of the favourites to win the tournament in 2004 at Bangladesh as well. Their group consisted of Sri Lanka, Zimbabwe and Canada.

The Aussies began their tournament brilliantly by winning their opening match against Canada at Rajshahi by six wickets. However, they were thrashed by Zimbabwe in their next match at Bogra. Spells of 6/31 and 4/17 by future senior players Tinashe Panyangara and Elton Chigumbura bundled Australia out for a paltry 73. Zimbabwe comfortably chased down the total within 18 overs.

Australia managed to defeat Sri Lanka by 2 runs in their final group game but their net run-rate was too low to take them any further in the tournament. Hence, they had to play the plate league where they won all their group games convincingly. One win included a 10-wicket win over Scotland where the Scots were bundled out for 22- the lowest score in any format of U19 or senior cricket.

The Aussies won their plate semi-final against Ireland before being defeated by hosts Bangladesh at Fatullah by 8 runs.