Windies face England in Under19 semi-final

DHAKA: England skipper Alistair Cook hit 87 runs yesterday to steer his team to a five-run win over Pakistan, while Zimbabwe beat New Zealand by 92 runs in their final super league matches of the Under-19 World Cricket Cup. The win ensured England the top spot in their group, while Pakistan were runners-up. Sent in to bat, England were all out for 196 in 50 overs, with Pakistan’s Riaz Afridi claiming 5-42 at Fatullah Stadium near the capital, Dhaka. Pakistan were then bowled out for 191 in 47.4 overs.

Both England and Pakistan had already qualified for the semi-finals, while the final match on yesterday determined their group standings. As runners-up, Pakistan will now meet rivals India — who topped their group — in the first semi-final tomorrow. England will play the West Indies in the second semi-final on March 2. Meanwhile, Zimbabwe defeated New Zealand by 92 runs in the other match of the day. Zimbabwe made 272 for eight, while New Zealand were all out for 180 in 42 overs. Both teams had failed to make it to the semi-finals. The final will be held on March 5.