Afghanistan and England Secure Semifinal Spots in ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026

Harare, Jan 2026 : Afghanistan and England confirmed their places in the semifinals of the ICC Under-19 World Cup on Friday following commanding performances in the Super Six stage. Afghanistan dominated Ireland by 191 runs, powered by a record-breaking century from Faisal Khan, while England outclassed New Zealand by 65 runs, thanks to a five-wicket haul from Manny Lumsden. Australia had already booked their semifinal berth from Group 1, with Afghanistan claiming the remaining spot. England became the first team from Group 2 to advance, remaining unbeaten in the tournament.

The final semifinal slot will be decided on Sunday in a high-stakes clash between India and Pakistan. India currently hold six points from three matches and enjoy a superior net run rate, whereas Pakistan have four points, keeping the outcome finely poised.

In Harare, Afghanistan’s innings was defined by an extraordinary performance from Faisal Khan, who scored 163 off 142 balls, including 18 fours and a six. This knock is the highest individual score by an Afghan batter in Under-19 World Cup history. Afghanistan had a shaky start at 27/2 after electing to bat, but Faisal and Uzairullah Niazai (26) steadied the innings with a 75-run partnership for the third wicket.

The momentum shifted entirely when Faisal joined captain Mahboob Khan, who contributed a quick 89 off 79 balls with five fours and two sixes. The pair added a colossal 188 runs for the fourth wicket, pushing Afghanistan to an imposing 315/7 in 50 overs. Ireland struggled against disciplined bowling, with pacers Reuben Wilson and Olly Riley claiming three wickets apiece.

In response, Ireland never seriously threatened the Afghan total and were bowled out for 124. Marko Bates (34) and Wilson (31) shared a 55-run partnership for the sixth wicket, but the resistance was short-lived. Abdul Aziz led Afghanistan’s bowling with 3/21, while leg-spinner Aqil Khan supported effectively with 3/36 to wrap up the innings.

Meanwhile, in Bulawayo, England faced New Zealand, who had already been eliminated from semifinal contention. England batted first and posted 234/7 on a challenging surface. Ben Dawkins anchored the innings with 42 off 62 balls, supported by Ben Mayes (53) and Caleb Faloner (47). Mason Clarke was New Zealand’s best bowler with figures of 2/38.

Chasing 235, New Zealand’s innings quickly fell apart against a brilliant spell from Manny Lumsden, who picked up 5/17 to dismantle the Kiwis. Senith Reddy top-scored with 47 and added 58 runs for the sixth wicket with Callum Samson, but it was not enough. England bowled New Zealand out for 169 in 38.5 overs, securing a comfortable 65-run victory and a semifinal berth.

With Afghanistan and England through, the stage is set for thrilling semifinals in the ICC Under-19 World Cup, while India and Pakistan prepare for a do-or-die showdown to claim the final spot.