Afghanistan stun England as teams gear up for U19 World Cup
A strong collective effort from Afghanistan has given England plenty to think about, with the 2022 finalists beaten by 67 runs in warm-up action from day two.
Afghanistan vs England
Result: Afghanistan win by 67 runs
Put in to bat first at Dlamini Oval in Johannesburg, Afghanistan found themselves in a hole at 82/4, though half-centuries from Sohail Khan Zurmati and Numan Shah pushed the team to 238. England's Tazeem Ali shone with figures of 3/45 as Sebastian Morgan and Dominic Kelly both had two-wicket days.
Gallery
Captain Ben McKinney led England's chase with a 31-ball 40, though the top order was torn apart by 16-year-old finger spinner Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, likened to Mujeeb ur Rahman, taking 5/30 (9.2).
Kelly (31) launched a fightback from No.7 with Eddie Jack making a useful 36, but Ghazanfar took his wicket as England were bowled out for 171. Bashir Ahmad and Khalil Ahmad also picked up two wickets each for Afghanistan as they notched up a confidence-boosting win.
Before they became household names, take a look at when stars got other stars out at the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cups.
Ireland vs Zimbabwe
Result: Zimbabwe won by 27 runs (DLS Method)
Mashford Shungu and Kohl Eksteen struck early for Zimbabwe after their skipper Matthew Schonken won the toss, though Ireland recovered with Gavin Roulston and wicketkeeper Kian Hilton rebuilding with a half-century stand. Schonken (3/36) and fellow spinner Ryan Simbi (2/38) pulled back procedings, though Harry Dyer's rearguard action helped Ireland pass 200, posting 218.
Ryan Kamwemba and Panashe Taruvinga started well for Zimbabwe in reply, putting on a 91 for the first wicket. Kamwemba fell for 52, and despite a middle order blip, Campbell MacMillan and Ronak Patel put on 73 before rain stopped play.
Zimbabwe were well ahead on DLS as play was called, registering a win by 27 runs.
Gallery
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka
Result: Sri Lanka won by 112 runs (DLS Method)
Pulindu Perera set the tone for Sri Lanka with the bat after his skipper Sineth Jayawardena won the toss in Pretoria, scoring an even 50 from 64 balls.
Three run outs hurt Sri Lanka’s push for a high total, though Dinura Kalupahana's 34 helped the side to 238/9 in 50 overs. Wasi Siddiquee picked up 2/26 in six overs for Bangladesh.
Fast bowler Vishen Halambage led Sri Lanka’s charge as he claimed both Bangladesh openers and No.4 batter Rizwan Chowdhury cheaply. After his efforts with the bat, Perera struck through the middle overs with his off-breaks, taking 2 for 5 in 4.5 overs.
Bangladesh were well behind at119/9 when rain intervened, as Sri Lanka recorded a win by 112 runs via the DLS method.
Bangladesh vs Sri Lanka scorecard
New Zealand vs West Indies
Result: West Indies win by six wickets
It was an immensely encouraging effort from the West Indies bowlers in Johannesburg, bowling out the Kiwis for 131.
Stephan Pascal was vinidcated in his decision to bowl first, holding New Zealand to 75/5, in large part to spinner Nathan Sealy who finished with 4/21. Five other players chimed in with a wicket each as Josh Dorne and Jewel Andrew combined in a run out to remove New Zealand captain Oscar Jackson.
Tarrique Edward takes us behind the scenes of the West Indies ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2024 media day.
Ryan Tsourgas and Matt Rowe took a wicket each early in their difficult defence to give New Zealand hope, but Dorne held the innings together from No.3 with some composed batting, ending with 45*.
Captain Jackson chipped in with two wickets through the middle overs, but Dorne and Andrew (36* from 24 balls) carried the team home with a stable partnership.
Gallery
