ICC U-19 World Cup: Afghanistan thwart Kiwis to reach semis

Afghanistan thumped hosts New Zealand by 202 runs to storm into the semifinals of the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup here at Christchurch on Thursday.

After opting to bat first, Afghanistan scored 309 runs.

Later they bowled out New Zealand on 107 in just 28.1 overs to set up a semi-final clash against Australia.

Openers Rahmanullah Gurbaz and Ibrahim Zadran shared a 117-run partnership while adding 69 and 68 respectively.

Bahir Shah remained unbeaten and added 67 runs on the board while Azmatullah Omarzai accumulated 66 runs.

Chasing the target, New Zealand lost Rachin Ravindra and skipper Kaylum Boshier for duck.

Only Katene Clarke and Dale Phillips added significant 38 and 31 respectively.

Afghanistan bowlers Mujeeb and Qais Ahmad finished with 4 for 14 and 4 for 33 respectively.