Pakistan reach U19 World Cup semi-final after gripping win over Bangladesh
Pakistan pipped Bangladesh by five runs and made it to the ICC U19 Men's Cricket World Cup 2024 semi-finals.
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Pakistan sealed a spot in the semi-finals with this win.
Pakistan v Bangladesh in Benoni
Toss: Bangladesh won the toss and elected to field
Result: Pakistan win by five runs
A superb bowling effort saw Pakistan being bowled out for 155. Bangladesh needed to win the contest in 38.1 overs to ensure a net run rate advantage over Pakistan, which would've helped them qualify for the semi-finals. However, they fell short by five runs in a thrilling game in Benoni.
After seeing off the first few overs, Shahzaib Khan and Shamyl Hussain opened their arms. The latter took the lead in run-scoring but fell after he left Rohanat Doullah Borson delivery that jagged in and crashed into his off stump.
Ubaid Shah took 5/44
Although Pakistan were at a relatively safe 50/1 at the end of the first Powerplay, the Tigers struck back in the middle overs. Led by Borson, and Sheikh Jibon, they ran through the Pakistan top and middle-order. The side had lost their sixth wicket for 89. The batting innings never recovered from this start and couldn't bat out their quota of overs.
Jibon and Borson were the most efficient Bangladesh bowlers. Both of them finished with identical figures of 4/24.
Ubaid Shah fought back for Pakistan with two quick wickets up front. He returned to get a third wicket in the form of Ahrar Amin. The batter edged one away from first slip, but Haroon Arshad dove to his left to take a brilliant catch. Ubaid's third was Bangladesh's fourth wicket, and the side needed Ariful Islam and Md Shihab James to stand up for them.
But Ariful fell in the very next over. He had nearly succeeded in dispatching an Ali Raza delivery past point, but the ball was brilliantly intercepted by Shamyl, who took a blinder at point. In the 20th over, Ubaid struck for a fourth time to reduce Bangladesh to 83/6.
Shihab and newcomer Mahfuzur Rahman set about rebuilding the chase, of which 73 runs remained. Shihab took the lead in scoring, while Mahfuzur remained solid at the other end. Shihab was lucky to survive in the 29th over, when Ubaid couldn't hold on to a straightforward catch.
However, Ubaid made amends in the very next over by snaring Shihab. Ali Raza picked up another next over and Pakistan were on top once more.
Pakistan were nearly there when a direct hit got them the ninth wicket at 127. However, Borson and Maruf Mridha fought on for the final wicket. The duo brought Bangladesh to the brink, and the side needed merely six runs to win by the 37th over. However, Mohammad Zeeshan forced Maruf to fend one back to his stumps to wrap up a tense win for Pakistan.
A historic win for Ireland
New Zealand v Ireland in Bloemfontein
Toss: Ireland won the toss and elected to bat
Result: Ireland win by 41 runs (DLS)
Ireland were the better side in all departments of the game, and overcame New Zealand in a rain-affected game. This was Ireland's first-ever win over New Zealand.
Ireland batters showed their aggressive intent early on, going at about six runs an over, before the Kiwi pacers struck back by removing their openers.
Gavin Roulston and Kian Hilton then got about reconstructing the Irish innings. Hilton scored yet another impressive half-century, to push Ireland closer to 200. The European side did cross that mark, but Ewald Schreuder's sensational spell brought the Black Caps back into the game.
Kian Hilton's 72 helped Ireland to a match-winning total
Roulston's fighting 82 helped Ireland finish past 250. Roulston's knock encompassed six fours. Hilton was the second-best with 72 to his name. Schreuder was the pick of the Kiwi bowlers with his 4/46.
Disciplined work from Ireland ensured that the New Zealand innings had a sedate start. Sharp work in the field and Oliver Riley's splendid bowling ensured that the top three were back in the hut by the 24th over.
New Zealand lost two more, including skipper Oscar Jackson, before inclement weather stopped the game. The game couldn't resume, and Ireland were declared winners by 41 runs (DLS Method), ending their tournament on a high.
England won the game by 146 runs
England v Zimbabwe in Potchefstroom
Toss: Zimbabwe won the toss and elected to field
Result: England win by 146 runs
England struggled with the bat but had Tazeem Ali's leg-breaks to thank for in a massive win over Zimbabwe.
Theo Wylie's kept the scoreboard ticking, even as England lost two big wickets within the first 15 overs.
Zimbabwe's sharp work in the field, helped them garner wickets at regular intervals. This included the unusual dismissal of Hamza Shaikh. The batter jammed the ball back onto his shoe and then picked it up while it was still rolling. He was declared out for obstructing the field.
Tazeem Ali finished with 7/29
When Wylie fell for 61, England had 116 on board, with half their side back in the pavilion.
An important stand between Charlie Allison and Haydon Mustard, helped England reach 237/7 at their 50 over mark. Allison finished at 76, while Mustard scored 41.
Zimbabwe's chase was dismantled by the superb Tazeem Ali. The young Chevrons were 51/3 when Tazeem struck first. He then went on to garner the remaining six wickets, even as Zimbabwe's innings went into a tailspin.
Tazeem's 7/29 won him the Player of the Match accolades as England managed to sign off from the tournament with a win.