Sri Lanka under 19s maintained their unbeaten streak to top the Group D as Afghanistan enter the cup quarter finals for the first time in their ICC under 19 world cup history.
Afghanistan’s historic and surprising win over Australia created headlines all over the world but the Australians managed to scrape through to the quarter-final stage with two convincing wins over Bangladesh and Namibia. Australia topped the group B with a higher net run rate and the surprise package Afghanistan qualified for the quarter finals as the second team from group B.
Sri Lanka under 19 team described as the ‘dark horses’ of the ICC under 19 World cup 2014 won all their 3 games against New Zealand, England and the UAE to top the group of death. The junior Black Caps failed to qualify for the quarters as they were beaten by Sri Lanka and England comprehensively.
The Sri Lanka cricketers are known for their unique flair and mystery as they continued the trend with three impressive victories. The top order excelled throughout the three games with Sadeera Samarawickrama topping the batting charts with 156 runs followed by Hashan Dumindu with 147 (including an unbeaten 113) and skipper Kusal Mendis with 136 runs. Sri Lanka’s opening bowling pair, Anuk Fernando and Binura Fernando were the pick of the bowlers as both left arm seam bowlers picked up 13 wickets between them. Anuk Fernando took 7 wickets while Binura Fernando captured 6 scalps.
India was grouped with their biggest rivals Pakistan in group A. India won all three games including their high profile clash against Pakistan. Pakistan was not threatened of their 2nd place of the group standing as they had two cruising wins against Scotland and Papua New Guinea.
South Africa topped Group C with 3 crushing victories over West Indies, Canada and Zimbabwe. Strong Proteas outfit will be another contender for the trophy as they possess a balanced lineup which can eliminate any team on the given day. West Indies qualified for the quarter finals with two easy wins over Canada and Zimbabwe.
Super League Quarter Finals
Top eight qualified teams will be vying for the coveted ICC under 19 World Cup in a knockout competition which starts on 22nd of February.
Defending champions and Group A winners India will play their quarter final fixture with Group D runner up England on the 22nd at Dubai while Sri Lanka will have a do or die battle with unpredictable Pakistan in their quarter final encounter which is also scheduled to play on the 22nd at Sharjah. The strong and spirited Lankan lads will have the edge over their Pakistani mates as Sri Lanka is the in-form team currently.
Many eyes will be on the South Africa vs Afghanistan match on the 23rd of February at Sharjah cricket grounds. South Africa will have to put up their ‘A’ game if they want to eliminate the surprise package of the tournament, Afghanistan. Fourth and final quarter final battle will be between Australia and West Indies on the 23rd of February at Dubai Sports Complex.
