KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan went gown fighting in the first semi-final against England in the ICC U-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup on Wednesday.
In a close finish, England pulled off a 15-run win to end a 24-year wait for booking a place in the final. They will meet the winner of the India-Australia clash set for Saturday.
England won the toss and elected to bat in overcast conditions at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium in Antigua, the ICC said in a statement.
Despite ups and downs, England managed to post a reasonable total of 231 for the loss of six wickets in 47 overs in the rain-delayed encounter.
Skipper Tom Prest and George Thomas lifted their side to 56 inside the powerplay. Prest departed for a quickfire 17, but Thomas went on to smash a half-century.
Afghanistan’s spin trio of Noor Ahmad, Izharul Haq Naveed and Nangyalai Kharoti took four wickets between them.
It was a crucial 95-run partnership for the seventh wicket that helped England score 231 in 47 overs in the rain-curtailed duel.
While chasing the target, Afghanistan kept their cool despite losing wickets. With wickets in hand, they needed 19 off the final two overs.
However, Rehan Ahmed claimed three scalps in a dramatic second-last over to keep in check the Afghans, who finished 15 short of the target.
For Afghanistan, Mohammad Ishaq chipped in with 43, Allah Noor 60, Abdul Hadi 37 (not out), Bilal Ahmad 33 and Noor Ahmad 25.
PAN Monitor/mud
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