New Delhi: Ali Zaryab’s (74* off 111 balls) patient half-century against South Africa at Christchurch guided Pakistan to semi-finals of the U19 Cricket World Cup. The victory over the 2014 champions means that Pakistan will now play the winners of Friday's quarter-final between India and Bangladesh in the second semi-final on January 30.
After winning the toss Pakistan U19 team decided to bowl first. Left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi got rid of the openers in the first powerplay. Later, Proteas kept losing wickets at regular intervals. Wicketkeeper-batsman Wandile Makwetu (60) and Jason Niemand (36) somewhat steadied the Proteas innings. At the end of designated 50 overs, South Africa managed to score 189 for the loss of 9 wickets. Muhammad Musa topped the bowling charts for Pakistan finishing with 3 for 29. He bowled 44 dot balls in his 10 overs quota and dried up the runs for the opposition.
Chasing a small total Pakistan went off to a slow start scoring 63 in the first 15 overs. The unusual start created pressure and at one stage Pakistan found themselves reeling at 115 for 5. But Zaryab continued his patient knock and along with captain Hasan Khan (14) and Saad Khan (26) steered Pakistan home with 3 wickets remaining.
Zaryab was awarded Man of the Match for his knock. This was his third half-century in the tournament and second successive player of the match award.