In a cracker of a match, England downed Afghanistan by 15 runs (DL method) to cement their spot in Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup final. This is the first time since 1998 that England have reached the final.
Rehan Ahmed turned the tide for England at a crucial point as he snared three wickets in the second last over when Afghanistan required only 18 runs from the last 10 balls.
Batting first, the Young Lions rode on George Thomas' impressive 50 off 69 balls as they were off to a good start. Later, George Bell chipped in with an unbeaten 56 off 67 balls which was well complemented by another unbeaten innings by Alex Horton who hit a quickfire 53 off mere 36 balls which helped England muster 231 for the loss of six wickets in their stipulated 47 overs.
Noor Ahmed (2/32) and Naveed Zadran (2/67) ramained the pick of the bowlers for Afghanistan who didn't let England put a big score on the board.
Meanwhile, chasing a not so big target of 232, Afghanistan suffered an early jolt at the score of 1 in the form of opener Nangeyalia Kharote (0) but they somehow managed to get hold of the situation as Mohammad Ishaq (43 off 65) and Allah Noor (60 off 87) stitched together a half-century partnership to cruise their side to a score of 100 in 24 overs.
But England made a comeback and sent three of the Afghan batters in the next 12 runs. Afghanistan again launched a fightback when Abdul Hadi (37 off 60) and Bilal Ahmed (33 off 34) provided resistance in the middle.
But, Afghans again wilted under pressure as the lower order wobbled which gave England a chance to return in the match. Afghanistan needed 18 runs in the last over to win and their last pair was on the field. Finally, England had the last laugh as they clinch the issue by 15 runs.
