Afghanistan and England powered into the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 semi-finals with commanding victories on Friday (30), sealing their last-four spots with authority and confidence.
A record-breaking century from Faisal Khan headlined Afghanistan’s crushing 191-run demolition of Ireland in Harare, while England stayed unbeaten with a clinical 65-run win over New Zealand in Bulawayo.
With Australia already through from Group 1 and England leading Group 2, the final semi-final place now hinges on the high-stakes India vs Pakistan showdown, setting up one of the tournament’s biggest clashes.
Faisal’s 163 powers Afghanistan charge
Afghanistan delivered one of the performances of the tournament when Faisal Khan produced a breathtaking 163 off 142 balls, the highest individual score by an Afghan batter in U19 World Cup history.
Coming in with his side wobbling at 27 for 2, Faisal rebuilt the innings with calm authority before exploding into controlled aggression, smashing 18 fours and a six to lift Afghanistan to a formidable 315 for 7.
Captain Mahboob Khan’s brisk 89 added further momentum, and Ireland never truly recovered in the chase, folding for just 124 as Abdul Aziz and Aqil Khan shared six wickets to wrap up a one-sided contest.
It was a statement win that sends Afghanistan into the knockouts brimming with belief and rhythm.
England stay perfect
England’s route to the semis was built on discipline and depth rather than fireworks.
On a tricky Bulawayo pitch, half-centuries from Ben Mayes (53) and steady knocks from Ben Dawkins and Caleb Falconer guided them to a competitive 234 for 7 after New Zealand opted to bowl first.
The total proved more than enough thanks to a stunning spell from Manny Lumsden, whose match-turning 5 for 17 dismantled the Kiwi batting and sealed victory with clinical precision.
England’s unbeaten march now makes them one of the strongest title contenders heading into the business end of the tournament.
With momentum, confidence and match-winners on both sides, Afghanistan and England have announced themselves as genuine championship threats, and the race for the U19 crown just got a lot more intense.
