HARARE: Convincing wins for Afghanistan and England sealed their place in the semi-finals of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup.
Afghanistan powered to a 191-run victory over Ireland, as Faisal Khan made a sensational 163.
And England’s triumph was off the back of a star turn with the ball, Manny Lumsden taking five for 17 in their 65-run win over New Zealand.
As a result, the two teams join Australia in the last four, with the final semi-final spot to be decided by the clash between India and Pakistan.
Afghanistan down Ireland to seal semi-final spot
Afghanistan booked their place in the semi-finals with an emphatic 191-run win over Ireland thanks to a stunning knock from Faisal Khan.
His 163 helped Afghanistan to a mammoth first innings total of 315 for seven, adding 188 for the fourth wicket with skipper Mahboob Khan (89).
Sri Lanka needed an Ireland victory to progress at Afghanistan’s expense and would have enjoyed the early dismissals of Khalid Ahmadzai (1) and Osman Sadat (14).
Lumsden five-wicket haul fires England into last four
Manny Lumsden was the star of the show with three wickets in an over on his way to figures of five for 17 as England clinched their place in the semi-finals.
Having been restricted to 234 for seven, Lumsden did the damage both at the top of the order and late on to seal a 65-run win.
England started well as opener Ben Dawkins made 42, while Ben Mayes continued his fine form with 53. (ICC)
Scores in brief
New Zealand v England – Queens Sports Club, Bulawayo
England 234/7 in 50 overs (Ben Mayes 53, Caleb Falconer 47; Snehith Reddy 2/28, Mason Clarke 2/38)
New Zealand 169 all out in 38.5 overs (Snehith Reddy 47, Jaskaran Sandhu 26; Manny Lumsden 5/17, Sebastian Morgan 2/38)
Result: England win by 65 runs
Afghanistan v Ireland – Harare Sports Club, Harare
Afghanistan 315/7 in 50 overs (Faisal Khan 163, Mahboob Khan 89; Reuben Wilson 3/52, Olly Riley 3/61)
Ireland 124 all out in 40.4 overs (Marko Bates 34, Reuben Wilson 31; Abdul Aziz 3/21, Aqil Khan 3/36)
Result: Afghanistan win by 191 runs
