U19 World Cup: South Africa reach quarters with 4-wicket win

Afghanistan humble Scotland but end 3rd in Group B.

The South Africans had a good day with the ball as they charged in at the Sri Lankan batsmen with a positive intent to set up a four-wicket victory in their final Group D match of the U19 World Cup, sealing their place in the quarter-finals.

Their attack was led by Corné Dry who put in a commanding performance as Sri Lanka were dismissed for just 150. In reply, South Africa started off with a few hiccups before they overcame the target in just 33 overs to top their group with three wins in as many matches.

South Africa’s coach Ray Jennings was very happy with the team’s efforts in the tournament, so far.

“The game against Sri Lanka was quite tough from our point of view but the guys have played some really good cricket,” said Jennings. “We’ve seen some really classy cricket of international standard. Moving into the next round of matches, we’re probably looking at England and Australia and it will be a good test to play quality non-sub-continent sides.”

Afghanistan humble Scotland in thriller

In another match, a dramatic collapse from Scotland meant that they succumbed to a 10-run defeat against Afghanistan and finish bottom of Group B with three losses in three games.

Cruising at 136 for three while chasing a modest 192, Scotland lost six wickets for 22 runs and were bundled out for 181 in the final over. Sayed Shirzad was the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets for 33 runs as only Ross McLean managed to go past the 50-run mark.

Earlier, captain Javed Ahmadi’s 76-ball 71 helped Afghanistan post a fighting total, which saw them end their campaign third in the group behind New Zealand and Pakistan.

Pakistan, New Zealand fight for group supremacy

Today is the final day of the first-round matches, and the winner of New Zealand versus Pakistan match will confirm which side tops Group B. Both sides have already qualified for the quarter-finals but a win for Pakistan could possibly set up a mouth-watering Super League quarter-final clash against rivals India on Monday.

However, to make this happen, two-time former champion India will also have to beat PNG.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 16^th, 2012.