Daijiworld Media Network - Harare
Harare, Jan 31: Afghanistan and England booked their places in the semifinals of the ICC Under-19 World Cup on Friday with dominant performances in their respective Super Six encounters.
Afghanistan sealed a commanding 191-run victory over Ireland, powered by a sensational century from Faisal Khan, while England outplayed New Zealand by 65 runs, riding on a five-wicket haul from Manny Lumsden. Australia had already qualified for the final four from Group 1, with Afghanistan taking the remaining semifinal spot. England became the first team from Group 2 to advance, remaining unbeaten so far in the tournament.
The final semifinal berth will be decided on Sunday in a virtual knockout clash between India and Pakistan. India currently hold an advantage with six points from three matches and a superior net run rate, while Pakistan have four points.
In Harare, Faisal Khan produced a match-winning knock for Afghanistan, scoring a brilliant 163 off 142 balls, laced with 18 fours and a six. It was the highest individual score by an Afghan batter in Under-19 World Cup history. Afghanistan recovered from an early wobble at 27/2 after opting to bat, with Faisal and Uzairullah Niazai (26) steadying the innings through a 75-run partnership for the third wicket.
Afghanistan then took complete control as Faisal joined captain Mahboob Khan, who struck 89 off 79 balls with five fours and two sixes. The duo added a massive 188 runs for the fourth wicket, taking Afghanistan to a formidable 315/7 in 50 overs. For Ireland, pacers Reuben Wilson and Olly Riley claimed three wickets each.
Chasing a daunting target, Ireland were bowled out for 124 and never seriously threatened. Marko Bates (34) and Wilson (31) added 55 runs for the sixth wicket to offer some resistance. Abdul Aziz led Afghanistan’s bowling effort with 3/21, while leg-spinner Aqil Khan chipped in with three wickets for 36 runs to wrap up the innings.
In Bulawayo, New Zealand, already out of semifinal contention, chose to field first and restricted England to 234/7 on a challenging surface. Ben Dawkins anchored the innings with a cautious 42 off 62 balls. He was well supported by Ben Mayes, who scored 53 off 70 deliveries, and Caleb Faloner, who added 47 off 58 balls. Mason Clarke was the standout bowler for New Zealand with figures of 2/38.
In reply, New Zealand’s chase was derailed by Manny Lumsden, who produced a stunning spell of 5/17. The Kiwis were bowled out for 169 in 38.5 overs. Senith Reddy top-scored with 47 and shared a 58-run stand for the sixth wicket with Callum Samson, but the effort fell well short as England sealed a comfortable win.