U-19 World Cup: Pakistan qualify for semi-final after beating South Africa

CHRISTCHURCH - Pakistan on Wednesday beat South Africa by three wickets in the quarterfinals of the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup at the Hagley Oval.

The Green Shirts achieved the modest target of 190 with three wickets in hand and qualified for the semi-final.

The last time Pakistan and South Africa met at #U19CWC it was the 2014 final, where a Proteas U19s side starring @KagisoRabada25 and Aiden Markram claimed victory over a Pakistan side featuring @samiaslam999 and @imamulhaq12! ???? #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/kzIn6w1tsn

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) January 23, 2018

Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first. However, South Africa could make 189-9 as Pakistan bowlers remained successful. Muhammad Musa took three wickets and Shaheen Shah Afridi two wickets in the matach.

Ali Zaryab is named Player of the Match for the second consecutive time, presented his award by Women's World Cup winner and @WHITE_FERNS coach Haidee Tiffen! #PAKvSA #U19CWC pic.twitter.com/otvMoeGCnS

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) January 24, 2018

Both the teams qualified for the quarterfinals with two victories and a defeat, but Pakistan emerged as winners of Group D, edging out Afghanistan on net run rate, while South Africa had to settle for second place in Group A after being beaten by New Zealand.

After guiding team Pakistan to the semi-finals and winning his second consecutive Man- of-the-Match award on the trot, Ali Zaryab shares his feelings. #Future11 #U19CWC pic.twitter.com/uID83D8271

— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) January 24, 2018

After losing their opening fixture to Afghanistan by five wickets, Pakistan came back with a roar against Ireland, bundling out their opponents for 97 thanks to a brilliant spell by Shaheen Shah Afridi. The Green Shirts then chased down the target in just 8.5 overs, boosting their net run rate.

They then sealed the top spot in Group D with a three-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a thriller.

Pakistan are the third-most successful team in ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup history, behind only India and Australia, having taken home the title twice, in 2004 and 2006.

A semi-finalist selfie! ??? #PAKvSA #U19CWC pic.twitter.com/fVRGLKLrB4

— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) January 24, 2018

Squads

Pakistan: Hasan Khan (c), Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Ali Khan, Ammad Alam, Zaid Alam, Ali Zaryab, Arshad Iqbal, Muhammad Mohsin Khan, Muhammad Musa, Saad Khan, Rohail Nazir (wk), Munir Riaz, Suleman Shafqat, Imran Shah, Mohammad Taha

South Africa: Raynard van Tonder (c), Matthew Breetzke, Gerald Coetzee, Jade de Klerk, Jean du Plessis, Fraser Jones, Wandile Makwetu, Akhona Mnyaka, Andile Mokgakane, Kgaudisa Molefe, Jason Niemand, Thando Ntini, Jiveshan Pillay, Hermann Rolfes, Kenan Smith