England easily defeated South Africa in the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup quarterfinals.
To advance to the ICC U-19 World Cup semi-finals with a six-wicket victory over South Africa, England was led by Jacob Bethell’s blazing batting effort. While England’s bowlers held South Africa to a total of 209 before Bethell smashed 88 to help England earn a matchup with either Afghanistan or Sri Lanka, South Africa was held to just 209 before Bethell’s heroics. Following a slow start, South Africa’s first boundary came off the final ball of the fourth over, before Valentine Kitime was dismissed by Joshua Boyden off the following delivery.
Ethan-John Cunningham was bowled by Boyden, who had taken his 12th wicket of the competition, to put South Africa in a precarious position at 21 for two.
Gerhardus Maree and Dewald Brevis added 55 runs to the South African total before Bethell removed Brevis.
With his fourth consecutive fifty-plus score, Brevis maintained his status as a reliable bulwark for South Africa, but he fell just short of the century mark with 97.
Three wickets dropped for one run as South Africa’s batsmen went out in search of boundaries, but only found the appreciative hands of the fielders with Rehan Ahmed taking four wickets for 48 runs in the process.
Finally, South Africa’s final-wicket partnership of Matthew Boast and Asakhe Tsaka contributed 40 runs to their total of 209 all out.
Ben Bethell made the fourth fastest half-century in U19 World Cup history, reaching fifty off just 20 balls as England’s Young Lion’s ran at more than 10 an over in their hunt for the trophy.
When England’s non-end striker’s reached double figures in the tenth over, George Thomas was delighted to see his side reach their hundred.
After England had amassed 88 from 42 deliveries, South Africa eventually struck after Bethell opted for one too many heaves, but not before England had established themselves as overwhelming favorites.
William Luxton’s 47 from 41 balls helped England advance to the semi-finals with a six-wicket victory over India in the quarter-finals.
In the Plate tournament, Zimbabwe and the West Indies emerged victoriously.
Zimbabwe bowled Scotland out for 249 in their Plate quarterfinal, thanks to Matthew Welch’s 78.
Scottish players were unable to form partnerships as they were outscored 140 to 0 in the first-round match against Zimbabwe.
The West Indies, who beat Papua New Guinea by an innings and 169 runs, will join them in the semifinals.
Now, West Indies and Papua New Guinea face off in the Plate play-offs against the United Arab Emirates and Uganda respectively.
