Pakistan defended a low total in Benoni against Bangladesh to become the fourth semi-finalist in the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 after India, Australia and South Africa had claimed their spots earlier in the week.
In a game that see-sawed back and forth, Ubaid Shah was the difference, taking a sensational five-wicket haul to hold off a resilient Bangladesh.
Despite multiple drop catches, the eventual victors created several opportunities with the ball. Their fielders redeemed themselves with spectacular catches, providing invaluable support to the bowlers and ultimately sealing a tense and hard-fought victory in Benoni.
Meanwhile, Tazeem Ali registered a seven-wicket haul in Potchefstroom as England’s spinners took all ten wickets to beat Zimbabwe by 146 runs, and in Bloemfontein, Ireland put up a brilliant all-round display to beat New Zealand in a rain-affected game decided by DLS method.
With the Super Six matches coming to a close, the semi-final fixtures have been identified. India will play South Africa in the first semi-final in Benoni on February 6 while Pakistan will take on Australia in the other semi at the same venue on February 8.
Pakistan beat Bangladesh by five runs in Benoni
Pakistan 155 (40.4 overs) v Bangladesh 150 (35.5 overs)
In a high-stakes Super Six clash at the ICC U19 Men’s Cricket World Cup 2024 in Benoni, Pakistan and Bangladesh faced off, with a semi-final spot hanging in the balance.