Kamal Ghorui
Pakistan have suffered a major setback ahead of their mouth-watering Under-19 clash against India at the Queens Sports Club in Bulawayo, a match that will decide the fourth semi-finalist of the ICC Under-19 World Cup in Zimbabwe. Afghanistan and England joined Australia as the latest entrants into the semi-finals on Friday following impressive performances in their Super Six clashes, with an unbeaten England becoming the first team from Group 2 to reach the final four. Sunday’s marquee India-Pakistan encounter now shapes up as a virtual knockout.Pakistan’s preparations were dented after wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Shayan was ruled out due to injury, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed.
“Pakistan U19 wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Shayan has been ruled out of the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup after being struck on the nose by a ball while wicketkeeping to a fast bowler during a scenario-based practice match,” the PCB said in a statement. He was taken to hospital, where X-rays confirmed a fracture, with a replacement set to be named in due course.Australia had already progressed to the final four from Group 1, while Afghanistan grabbed the remaining spot following a commanding 191-run win over Ireland. England sealed qualification from Group 2 after defeating New Zealand by 65 runs, courtesy a five-wicket haul from Manny Lumsden. India currently enjoy an advantage heading into their clash with Pakistan, sitting on six points from three matches with a superior net run rate, while Pakistan have four points.In Harare, Afghanistan rode on a scintillating 163 from Faisal Khan to post 315/7 after electing to bat first. Faisal struck 18 fours and a six in his 142-ball knock, which stands as the highest individual score by an Afghan batter in tournament history. Afghanistan were in early trouble at 27/2 before a 75-run third-wicket partnership between Faisal and Uzairullah Niazai steadied the innings. The game swung decisively in Afghanistan’s favour during a 188-run fourth-wicket stand between Faisal and captain Mahboob Khan, who scored 89 off 79 balls with five fours and two sixes.Ireland’s Reuben Wilson and Olly Riley picked up three wickets apiece, but the Irish chase never took off. Ireland were bowled out for 124, with Marko Bates (34) and Wilson (31) adding 55 for the sixth wicket in a brief show of resistance. Abdul Aziz led Afghanistan’s bowling with 3/21, while leg-break bowler Aqil Khan wrapped up proceedings with three wickets for 36 runs.Earlier in Bulawayo, New Zealand, already out of semi-final contention, restricted England to 234/7 on a tricky surface. Ben Dawkins made a cautious 42, while Ben Mayes (53) and Caleb Faloner (47) chipped in with vital contributions. Mason Clarke was the pick of New Zealand’s bowlers with 2/38. However, Lumsden turned the game on its head with figures of 5/17 as New Zealand were bowled out for 169 in 38.5 overs, despite Senith Reddy’s 47 and a 58-run stand with Callum Samson.
