U19 World Cup: Afghanistan down SA; England, Australia start with wins

Steven Hogan slammed a century (115 off 111) and added 186 off 197 deliveries for the second wicket with opener Nitesh Samuel, who also hit a crucial 77. The duo made it a walk in the park for Australia after Ireland fought their way to 235/7. No.4 batter Robert O'Brien made 79 while opener Freddie Ogilby hit 49. Five of the six bowlers that Australia captain Oliver Peake used returned at least one wicket, with medium-pacer Charles Lachmund bagging three. The riposte was emphatic and straightforward, even if the Irish enjoyed brief spells of joy through wickets of Will Malajczuk and Hogan. Peake then joined Samuel to see the chase through in just the 40th over.

Batting trio Khalid Ahmadzai (74 off 104), Faisal Shinozada (81 off 95) and Uzairullah Niazai (51 off 51) paved the platform for a remarkable Afghanistan victory over South Africa in Windhoek. Afghanistan finished with 266 for 8, which they successfully defended despite the fighting efforts of Jason Rowles (98 off 93). Not enough batters rallied around Rowles as South Africa were bowled out for 238 in the 48th over, falling 28 runs short. Medium-pacers Abdul Aziz and Khatir Stanikzai picked two wickets each.

In Harare, England managed to defend their lowly total of 210 as fast bowling duo Alex Green and James Minto, and left-arm spinner Ralphie Albert picked two wickets each. Pakistan captain Farhan Yousaf tried to keep his team in the chase, but his fight did not have any allies in the line-up. He scored 65, while his team folded for 173 in the 47th over. With the bat, England were pushed ahead by Caleb Falconer (66 off 73) and his stand worth 80 with Ralphie B Albert. It gave their bowlers a total to work with and they did.