U19 World Cup 2026: Afghanistan and England Seal Semifinal Spots with Dominant Wins

The semifinal line-up of the ICC Under-19 World Cup 2026 is gradually taking shape, with Afghanistan and England becoming the latest teams to secure their places in the final four. After Australia’s qualification earlier, Afghanistan topped Super Six Group 1, while England advanced from Group 2. One semifinal spot still remains open, with India and Pakistan locked in contention.

Shinzozada’s Record Knock Powers Afghanistan

Afghanistan produced a commanding performance at the Harare Sports Club, thrashing Ireland by 191 runs to book their semifinal berth. Batting first, Afghanistan posted an imposing 315 for 7, recovering brilliantly after losing both openers for just 27 runs.

The backbone of the innings was a magnificent knock by Faisal Shinzozada, who played a record-breaking innings of 163 runs off 142 balls, striking 19 boundaries. He first added 75 runs for the third wicket with Uzirullah Niazi (26), before forging a decisive 188-run partnership for the fourth wicket with captain Mahboob Khan. Mahboob contributed a fluent 89 off 79 balls, guiding Afghanistan to a massive total.

For Ireland, Ruben Wilson and skipper Oliver Riley picked up three wickets each, while Thomas Ford claimed one.

In reply, Ireland were bundled out for 124 in 40.4 overs, never recovering from early damage that saw them lose five wickets for 53 runs. Marco Betts (34) and Ruben Wilson (31) briefly resisted with a 55-run stand for the sixth wicket, but the collapse resumed soon after. Afghanistan’s bowlers were clinical, with Abdul Aziz and Akeel Khan taking three wickets each, while Nuristani Umarzai and Ruhullah Arab chipped in with one apiece.

England Outclass New Zealand to Enter Final Four

England confirmed their semifinal qualification with a convincing 65-run victory over New Zealand in a Super Six encounter. The standout performer was left-arm spinner Manny Lumsden, who returned sensational figures of 5 for 17, earning the Player of the Match award.

After losing the toss, England scored a competitive 234 for 7. Opener Ben Dawkins laid the foundation with a solid 42 off 62 balls, while Ben Mayes anchored the innings with 53 off 70 balls. Caleb Faulkner added momentum in the middle order with a brisk 47, ensuring England crossed the 230-mark. For New Zealand, Mason Clarke and Snehaith Reddy took two wickets each.

Chasing 235, New Zealand were bowled out for 169 in 38.5 overs. They slipped to 64 for 4 early, and although Snehaith Reddy (47) and Callum Samson attempted a recovery, the target proved too steep. Apart from Jaskaran Sandhu’s 26, there was little resistance as England’s bowlers maintained pressure throughout. Lumsden led the attack brilliantly, supported by Sebastian Morgan, who claimed two wickets.

Race for the Final Semifinal Spot

With Australia, Afghanistan, and England through to the semifinals, attention now turns to the final open slot. India and Pakistan remain in contention, setting up a tense finish to the Super Six stage.

As the tournament heads into its decisive phase, Afghanistan’s batting firepower and England’s bowling depth have firmly announced them as serious title contenders at the U19 World Cup 2026.