Harare, January 30:
Afghanistan and England booked their places in the semifinals of the ICC Under-19 World Cup on Friday after dominant performances in their respective Super Six encounters. They now join Australia in the final four of the tournament.
Australia had already sealed qualification from Group 1, while Afghanistan claimed the second spot with a massive victory. From Group 2, an unbeaten England became the first team to advance, setting the stage for a high-voltage India vs Pakistan clash on Sunday, which will act as a virtual knockout.
India currently sit in a stronger position with six points from three matches and a superior net run rate, while Pakistan have four points.
🇦🇫 Faisal Khan’s Historic Knock Powers Afghanistan
Afghanistan produced one of the most dominant performances of the tournament against Ireland, riding on a sensational century from Faisal Khan.
Batting first in Harare, Afghanistan posted a commanding 315/7 in 50 overs, thanks largely to Faisal’s magnificent 163 off 142 balls, an innings laced with 18 fours and a six. It is now the highest individual score by an Afghan batter in U-19 World Cup history.
Afghanistan were under early pressure at 27/2, but a steady 75-run partnership between Faisal and Uzairullah Niazai (26) helped stabilise the innings. The real momentum came when Faisal combined with skipper Mahboob Khan, who smashed 89 off 79 balls, as the duo added 188 runs for the fourth wicket.
For Ireland, pacers Reuben Wilson and Olly Riley were the stand-out bowlers, picking up three wickets each.
🇮🇪 Ireland Crumble Under Pressure
Chasing a daunting target, Ireland never really got going and were bowled out for just 124 runs.
Marko Bates (34) and Reuben Wilson (31) showed some resistance with a 55-run stand, but the required total proved far beyond reach.
Afghanistan’s bowlers were clinical, with Abdul Aziz (3/21) dismantling the top order, while leg-spinner Aqil Khan (3/36) shut the door on any late hopes.
🏴 England Storm Into Semifinals
England continued their unbeaten run with a convincing 65-run win over New Zealand on a challenging surface in Bulawayo.
After being asked to bat, England posted a competitive 234/7.
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Ben Dawkins anchored the innings with a patient 42 off 62 balls
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Ben Mayes contributed 53 off 70 balls
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Caleb Faloner added a fluent 47 off 58 balls
New Zealand’s Mason Clarke (2/38) was the most effective bowler.
🎯 Manny Lumsden Turns the Game
While the chase appeared manageable, England’s Manny Lumsden delivered a match-winning spell, ripping through New Zealand’s batting lineup with figures of 5/17.
New Zealand were bowled out for 169 in 38.5 overs, with Senith Reddy (47) briefly keeping hopes alive during a 58-run partnership with Callum Samson. However, Lumsden’s brilliance ensured England crossed the line comfortably.
