England and Afghanistan Cruise into Under-19 World Cup Semi-Finals
England and Afghanistan booked their places in the semi-finals of the ICC Under-19 World Cup with commanding victories over New Zealand and Ireland respectively in their Super Sixes fixtures.
England secured a 65-run win over New Zealand after a five-wicket haul from Manny Lumsden dismantled the chase, while Afghanistan produced a dominant all-round performance to crush Ireland by 191 runs, led by a magnificent century from Faisal Shinozada.
Lumsden Leads England Past New Zealand
England posted a competitive 234 for 7 after being kept in check for long periods by New Zealand’s disciplined bowling. Ben Mayes top-scored with 53, while Ben Dawkins and Caleb Falconer provided stability at the top. Contributions came throughout the order, with six of the top seven batters reaching double figures. Farhan Ahmed added late impetus with an unbeaten 29 off 23 balls, finishing the innings with a six off the final delivery.
New Zealand’s bowlers, led by Snehith Reddy (2 for 28) and Clarke (2 for 38), managed to apply pressure through the middle overs, but England maintained a steady scoring rate to set a defendable total.
In reply, New Zealand began positively through Aryan Mann, but his early dismissal triggered a collapse after Lumsden was introduced in the eighth over. The left-arm seamer struck twice in his opening spell, reducing New Zealand to 46 for 3. A prolonged period of pressure followed, yielding just 19 runs across nine overs and resulting in a run-out that further stalled the chase.
Despite briefly staying in contention, needing 67 runs with three wickets in hand, New Zealand’s hopes were extinguished when Lumsden returned to claim three wickets in five balls. He finished with outstanding figures of 5 for 17, sealing an emphatic England victory.
Shinozada Century Powers Afghanistan Past Ireland
Afghanistan’s progression to the semi-finals was even more emphatic, as they overwhelmed Ireland by 191 runs. Faisal Shinozada starred with a superb 163 off 142 balls, anchoring Afghanistan’s massive total of 315 for 7.
Shinozada combined with captain Mahboob Khan, who scored 89 off 79 deliveries, in a commanding 188-run partnership for the fourth wicket. Although Ireland’s Reuben Wilson (3 for 52) and Oliver Riley claimed wickets, they were unable to contain Afghanistan’s relentless scoring.
Ireland’s chase faltered early when Abdul Aziz removed both openers, and two run-outs among the first four wickets left them reeling at 41 for 4. Legspinner Aqil Khan then tore through the middle order with three wickets, while Aziz also finished with three scalps.
Ireland were bowled out for 124 in the 41st over, as Afghanistan advanced to the Under-19 World Cup semi-finals for the third time in the last five editions.