ESPNcricinfo
The first semi-final between two sets of nervous teenagers had it all. Broken stumps, dropped catches, run-outs, six-hitting cameos, a five-ball over, and a catch off a no-ball. England, though, held their nerve, and despite all their errors, crossed the line to reach their first U-19 World Cup final in 24 years.
Afghanistan, chasing a spot in their very first ICC World Cup final, lost out in key moments. After getting England six down for only 136, Afghanistan could not end the innings well with the ball, conceding 95 in the last 12 overs. Then, two of their top four batters were out for ducks in a chase of 231.
But late in the contest, Afghanistan were offered a backdoor pass into the match when England seamer James Sales had a horrific start to the 44th over.
At that stage, Afghanistan needed 43 in four overs, but Sales conceded 10 runs courtesy two no-balls – the first of which also cost him a wicket – before delivering a legal ball, and by the end of the over, the equation was down to 23 off 18.
However, left-arm seamer Joshua Boyden bowled a tight 45th, and leg spinner Rehan Ahmed took three wickets in the 46th to book England’s spot in Saturday’s final against India or Australia.
Summarized scores: England 231 for 6 (Bell 56*, Horton 53*, Thomas 50, Noor 2-32) beat Afghanistan 215 for 9 (Allah 60, Ishaq 43, Rehan 4-41) by 15 runs (DLS method)