Afghanistan and England Storm into U-19 World Cup Semifinals
In a thrilling day of youth cricket action in Harare, Afghanistan and England cemented their places in the semifinals of the ICC Under-19 World Cup on Friday. Both teams delivered commanding performances in their Super Six stage matches, joining Australia who had already qualified from Group 1.
Afghanistan's Record-Breaking Triumph Over Ireland
Afghanistan secured a comprehensive 191-run victory against Ireland, largely powered by a magnificent century from Faisal Khan. Electing to bat first after winning the toss, Afghanistan found themselves in early trouble at 27/2. However, Faisal Khan played a masterful innings, scoring a monumental 163 runs off just 142 deliveries. His knock included 18 boundaries and one maximum, setting a new record for the highest individual score by an Afghan batter in the tournament's history.
The foundation of Afghanistan's imposing total of 315/7 was built through crucial partnerships. First, Faisal stabilized the innings with Uzairullah Niazai (26) in a 75-run stand for the third wicket. Then, he combined forces with captain Mahboob Khan in a devastating 188-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Mahboob contributed a brisk 89 off 79 balls, featuring five fours and two sixes, before falling in the final over.
Ireland's bowling attack struggled to contain the Afghan batters, with pacers Reuben Wilson and Olly Riley managing three wickets each. The Irish chase never gained momentum, collapsing to 124 all out. Marko Bates (34) and Wilson (31) offered brief resistance with a 55-run partnership for the sixth wicket, but the target proved insurmountable. Afghan bowlers Abdul Aziz (3/21) and leg-spinner Aqil Khan (3/36) efficiently dismantled the Irish batting lineup.
England's Clinical Victory Against New Zealand
England displayed a professional all-round performance to defeat New Zealand by 65 runs, securing their semifinal berth as the first team from Group 2. Batting first on a challenging Bulawayo surface, England posted a competitive 234/7 in their 50 overs. The innings was anchored by steady contributions throughout the order.
Opener Ben Dawkins provided a solid start with a patient 42 off 62 balls, while Ben Mayes (53 off 70) and Caleb Faloner (47 off 58) played crucial middle-order knocks to ensure England reached a defendable total. New Zealand's Mason Clarke was the most successful bowler with figures of 2/38.
In response, New Zealand's chase of 235 seemed manageable until seamer Manny Lumsden produced a match-winning spell. His brilliant figures of 5/17 derailed the Kiwi innings, as they were bowled out for 169 in 38.5 overs. Senith Reddy (47) and Callum Samson provided some fight with a 58-run partnership for the sixth wicket, but Lumsden's heroics ensured England's comfortable victory.
Semifinal Picture and Upcoming Marquee Clash
With these results, Australia, Afghanistan, and England have confirmed their places in the final four. The remaining semifinal spot from Group 2 will be decided in Sunday's highly anticipated clash between traditional rivals India and Pakistan. This match effectively serves as a virtual knockout, with India holding a slight advantage due to their superior net run rate and six points from three matches, compared to Pakistan's four points.
The tournament continues to showcase emerging talent from cricketing nations, with individual brilliance like Faisal Khan's record-breaking innings and Manny Lumsden's five-wicket haul highlighting the depth of young cricketing talent on the global stage.
