Australia defeat Afghanistan to enter finals
Ikram Ali Khil’s spirited 80 not enough for underdogs
Christchurch: Australia produced an all-round performance with the bat and ball to register a six-wicket victory over Afghanistan in the semi-final at the Hagley Oval here on Monday and enter the U-19 World Cup Super League final.
Electing to bat, Afghanistan rode on a half-century knock from their top order batsman Ikram Ali Khil (80) to score 181 runs in 48 overs.
For Australia, barring off-spinner Param Uppal, all the bowlers picked up wickets at regular intervals to keep the opposition on the backfoot. Medium pacer Jonathan Merlo (4/24) was the standout bowler for the side.
In response, Australia chased down the target in 37.3 over with six wickets to spare.
Chasing a low total, Australia lost their opener Max Bryant (4) early. However, Jack Edwards (72) steadied the ship by scoring a brilliant half-century.
Edwards, whose innings was laced with eight boundaries and two hits over the fence, was involved in a 77-run third wicket stand with skipper Jason Sangha (26).
Later, incoming batsmen Param Uppal (32 not out) and Nathan McSweeney (22 not out) remained unbeaten to clinch a comfortable victory for their side.
For Afghanistan, Qais Ahmad (2/35) was the most successful bowler.
The other semi-final between in-form India and arch rivals Pakistan will be held at the Hagley Oval in the early hours on Tuesday.
India lead the head-to-head battle 12-8 against Pakistan at the Under-19 level. One match finished in a tie.