ICC U19 World Cup: 3 Power Performances Seal Semi-Final Spots
U19 World Cup action intensified as Afghanistan and England joined Australia in the semi-finals of the ICC Under-19 World Cup, delivering commanding performances in their respective Super Six encounters on Friday. The latest results confirmed three of the four semi-finalists, setting the stage for a thrilling finish to the group stage and raising anticipation ahead of the knockout rounds.
The U19 World Cup has continued to highlight emerging talent and dominant team displays, with Afghanistan’s historic batting effort and England’s all-round bowling performance underlining their credentials as genuine title contenders.
U19 World Cup Semi-Final Line-Up Takes Shape
With Australia already securing qualification from Group 1, the focus shifted to the remaining Super Six fixtures. Afghanistan sealed the last semi-final berth from Group 1, while an unbeaten England became the first team from Group 2 to reach the final four of the U19 World Cup.
The results leave one remaining semi-final spot up for grabs, to be decided in the highly anticipated clash between India and Pakistan. India currently hold the advantage with six points from three matches and a superior net run rate, while Pakistan sit on four points, making the encounter a virtual knockout.
Afghanistan’s Historic Batting Display in the U19 World Cup
Afghanistan produced one of the most dominant performances of the U19 World Cup, crushing Ireland by a massive 191 runs in Harare. The win was built around a sensational innings from Faisal Khan, who delivered a record-breaking knock under pressure.
Faisal Khan’s Record-Breaking 163 Anchors Afghanistan
Coming in at a delicate moment with Afghanistan struggling at 27 for two, Faisal Khan played a composed yet authoritative innings. His 163 off 142 balls included 18 fours and a six, marking the highest individual score by an Afghan batter in U19 World Cup history.
A stabilizing 75-run partnership for the third wicket with Uzairullah Niazai (26) helped Afghanistan regain control. From there, the innings gathered unstoppable momentum. Faisal found an ideal partner in captain Mahboob Khan, who contributed a fluent 89 off 79 balls, striking five fours and two sixes.
Middle-Order Dominance Sets Up a Massive Total
The 188-run stand for the fourth wicket between Faisal Khan and Mahboob Khan completely shifted the balance of the match. Afghanistan raced to 315 for seven in their allotted 50 overs, a total that proved far beyond Ireland’s reach in this U19 World Cup contest.
For Ireland, pacers Reuben Wilson and Olly Riley were the only bright spots, picking up three wickets each to prevent an even steeper climb.
Ireland Collapse Under Afghanistan’s Bowling Pressure
Chasing a daunting target, Ireland never found momentum in their U19 World Cup chase. Early breakthroughs left them reeling, and the required run rate quickly spiraled out of control.
Afghanistan’s Bowlers Seal a Comprehensive U19 World Cup Win
Pacer Abdul Aziz set the tone by dismantling the top order with figures of 3 for 21. Leg-spinner Aqil Khan then extinguished any hopes of a late comeback, claiming three wickets for 36 runs.
Ireland were bowled out for just 124 runs, with Marko Bates (34) and Reuben Wilson (31) offering brief resistance through a 55-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Ultimately, the margin was too steep, as Afghanistan secured one of the most emphatic victories of the U19 World Cup.
England Secure U19 World Cup Semi-Final Spot With Authority
England also confirmed their place in the U19 World Cup semi-finals with a convincing 65-run win over New Zealand. The victory showcased England’s balance and adaptability, particularly on a challenging surface in Bulawayo.
Despite New Zealand winning the toss and opting to field, England navigated tricky early conditions with composure.
England’s Batters Build a Competitive Total
Ben Dawkins anchored the innings with a steady 42 off 62 balls, laying a solid foundation. He was well supported by Ben Mayes, who scored 53 off 70 deliveries, and Caleb Faloner, who added a valuable 47 from 58 balls.
Their combined efforts ensured England posted 234 for seven, a total that looked defendable given the nature of the pitch in this U19 World Cup encounter. Mason Clarke was the standout bowler for New Zealand, returning figures of two for 38.
Manny Lumsden’s Five-Wicket Haul Turns the Match
While England’s batting provided stability, it was Manny Lumsden who delivered the decisive blow with the ball. His spell completely changed the complexion of the U19 World Cup match.
Lumsden’s 5/17 Destroys New Zealand’s Chase
New Zealand began their chase cautiously and remained in contention through the middle overs. However, Lumsden’s outstanding figures of five for 17 dismantled the batting lineup, triggering a collapse.
New Zealand were bowled out for 169 in 38.5 overs, falling well short of the target. Senith Reddy offered resistance with 47 runs and shared a 58-run partnership with Callum Samson for the sixth wicket, but the effort was not enough to counter England’s bowling depth in this U19 World Cup fixture.
Australia, Afghanistan, and England: Semi-Finalists Confirmed
With these results, three semi-final spots in the U19 World Cup are now locked in. Australia’s earlier qualification from Group 1 was followed by Afghanistan’s dominant win, while England’s unbeaten run secured their passage from Group 2.
Each of the qualified teams has shown a different strength—Australia’s consistency, Afghanistan’s explosive batting, and England’s disciplined all-round play—making the knockout stage highly competitive.
India vs Pakistan Looms as U19 World Cup Decider
Attention now turns to the marquee clash between India and Pakistan, which will determine the final semi-finalist of the U19 World Cup. India enter the contest with a points advantage and a healthier net run rate, while Pakistan must win to stay alive.
The match promises high intensity and pressure, with a semi-final berth at stake and both teams boasting a history of producing thrilling encounters at the junior level.
What the Results Mean for the U19 World Cup Knockouts
As the U19 World Cup moves closer to its business end, momentum and confidence will play a crucial role. Afghanistan’s record-setting win sends a strong warning to opponents, while England’s clinical performance highlights their tactical discipline.
With Australia already waiting in the semi-finals and one final spot yet to be decided, the tournament is poised for a dramatic conclusion. The emerging stars of the U19 World Cup have delivered high-quality cricket, setting the stage for an exciting knockout phase.
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