Pakistan beat Afghanistan to reach Under-19 World Cup semis

BENONI (92 News) – Pakistani team on Friday reached Under-19 World Cup semi-final of the tournament after beating Afghanistan by 6 wickets in the quarter-final, in Benoni, South Africa. The Pakistan junior team easily chased down a target of 190 runs in the 41st over, with 53 balls still remaining. The Pakistani teenagers will face his traditional opponent India in the semi-final match. A half-century on debut from 17-year-old opener from Sialkot, Mohammad Huraira, was instrumental in the victory, as he top-scored with 64 runs off 76 balls, while his fellow opener Haider Ali scoring 28 runs off 34 deliveries. Mohammad Haris remained not-out on 29 off 43 balls, taking the side over the finishing line. Afghanistan's Noor Ahmad was the only bowler who managed to take any wickets, finishing with 2 for 32. Pakistani pacer Mohammad Amir Khan took 3 wickets for 58 while leg-spinner Fahad Munir took 2 for 29 to dismiss the Afghan batting line-up in 49 overs. Qasim Akram, Abbas Afridi, Tahir Hussain and Aamir Ali took a wicket each. Afghanistan captain Farhan Zakhil scored 40 runs with the bat, while Abdul Rahman scored 30, helping the side set a 189-run target. But the Pakistani batsmen were able to easily chase down the target with 53 balls and six wickets to spare. Huraira was named man-of-the-match for his match-winning knock. Following the quarter-final victory, Pakistan will now face India in the first Super League semi-final at Potchefstroom on February 4.