Pakistan set up clash with India

Pakistan defeated England by six wickets to set-up a clash with arch-rivals India in the Super League next week, as the tightest group in the first round of the ICC Under-19s World Cup was decided in Christchurch on Friday.

Man of the match Khaqan Raja hit 62 off 76 balls to move Pakistan into top spot in Group C, ahead of England on run rate.

Nepal's dream of qualifying for the Super League was ended despite beating Papua New Guinea by 65 runs, with their run rate inferior to England's.

Pakistan will now play India, the West Indies and Sri Lanka in Super League Group One, with England, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand in Group Two.

The Indian government has banned its senior-level cricketers from playing Pakistan because of the current tensions between the neighbouring countries. But Board of Control for Cricket in India secretary Niranjan Shah said the policy would not affect the youth tournament.

"The government knows we are participating in the under-19 World Cup in New Zealand and the team was given permission with the knowledge that India might have to play Pakistan," he said. "There is no problem regarding the same."

The Plate Championship in Auckland will see Bangladesh, Papua New Guinea, Zimbabwe and Kenya in Group One, while Nepal, Canada, Scotland and Namibia will contest Group Two.

After suffering a surprise defeat to Nepal earlier in the week Pakistan had to beat England to qualify for the Super League, and they got off to a good start by bowling out their opponents for 182.

Captain Nicky Peng top scored with 59 but the loss of the last four wickets in 18 balls deprived England of the runs necessary to put Pakistan under pressure.

England lost wickets at crucial times with Kyle Hogg (40), Bilal Shafayat (21) both getting in, but their dismissals were to prove costly as England failed to see out 50 overs, which ultimately effected their net run rate. The England bowlers again lacked penetration, despite Hogg bowling a tidy ten overs for 22 runs, and Pakistan claimed victory with more than five overs to spare.

Raja hit some attractive strokes striking six fours and a six before falling to Tim Bresnan, and captain Salman Butt anchored the innings with a responsible 35 from 93 deliveries. Despite Pakistan winning comfortably it was a tense end to the match with Pakistan needing to win within 48 overs to better England's run rate and top the group.

In the other match in Group C, Nepal beat Papua New Guinea by 65 runs, dismissing their opponents in the 44th over to earn a bonus point and finish on nine points along with England and Pakistan.

Nepal batted first and made 177 with Yashwant Subedi top scoring on 34, and Christopher Amini taking three wickets.

Papua New Guinea were given a solid start by their openers Frank Joseph (32) and Mahuta Dai (32) but their innings fell away, and they were dismissed for 112 with slow left-armer Lakpha Lama taking 4-14.

South Africa claimed second spot in Group A after their 10-wicket demolition of Canada in Auckland.

Mail Cricket Editor