HARARE: Afghanistan and England qualified for the ICC U-19 World Cup semi-finals on Friday after recording impressive victories in their final Super Six matches against Ireland and New Zealand, respectively.

While England outplayed New Zealand by 65 runs in Bulawayo, a record-breaking 163 by Faisal Khan powered Afghanistan to a massive 191-run win over Ireland in Harare.

Australia had already progressed to the final four from Group 1 and Afghanistan grabbed the remaining spot. With England continuing their unbeaten run in the tournament, they became the first team from Group 2 to advance. That makes the marquee clash between India and Pakistan colts on Sunday even more important, as only one of them can go through.

India have a slight edge as they have six points from three matches. Though Pakistan trail their arch-rivals by two points and have an inferior net run-rate, they can still edge India out if they win big.

Man-of-the-match Faisal stepped up to the challenge for Afghanistan at the Harare Sports Club. His breathtaking knock steered Afghanistan to a solid 315-7 in their 50 overs.

Playing with controlled aggression, Faisal struck 18 fours and a six in his 142-ball knock. It was the highest individual score by an Afghan batter in the tournament history.

After electing to bat, Afghanistan found themselves in a spot of bother at 27-2. A 75-run third-wicket partnership between Faisal and Uzairullah Niazai helped control the damage. Then Afghanistan seized control as Faisal and captain Mahboob Khan joined forces. While runs flowed steadily from both ends, they chose their moments for the big hits as they put on 188 runs for the fourth wicket.

Mahboob fell in the final over while trying to slog, but he contributed a vital 89 off 79 balls to his team’s cause.

For Ireland, pacers Reuben Wilson and Olly Riley claimed three wickets apiece.

Ireland failed to mount a real challenge in chase, and were skittled out for 124 in 40.4 overs.

Only Marko Bates (34) and Wilson (31) offered some resistance, as they put up 55 runs for the sixth wicket. But it was too little too late as Ireland failed to scale the mountain of runs ahead of them.

After pacer Abdul Aziz (3-21) had blunted the threat from the top order, leg-spinner Aqil Khan quelled a late challenge with three wickets for 36 runs.

It was a masterful performance from Afghanistan, and just the kind of momentum they needed going into the business end of the tournament.

Out of semi-final contentions, New Zealand had only pride to play for. On a tricky wicket in Bulawayo, New Zealand restricted England to 234/7 after electing to field first at the Queens Sports Club.

Ben Dawkins helped England navigate the opening phase of the innings, scoring 42 off 62 balls. Picking up the baton from him, Ben Mayes (53) and Caleb Faloner (47) kept the scoreboard ticking and made sure England posted a respectable total.

Led by pacer Mason Clarke (2-38), New Zealand put in an efficient bowling performance.

Pacer Manny Lumsden, who was adjudged player-of-the-match, finished with figures of 5-17 as New Zealand were dismissed for 169 in 38.5 overs.

Only young Senith Reddy (47) offered some resistance. He was involved in a 58-run stand for the sixth wicket with Callum Samson.

Published in Dawn, January 31st, 2026