Zimbabwe’s hopes of progressing to the quarterfinals of the ICC Under-19 World Cup suffered a blow after they lost by 119 runs in the decisive group game against Afghanistan in Trinidad and Tobago on Saturday.
Afghanistan had Zimbabwe on the ropes early on as Suliman Safi scored 111 from 118 balls, including 14 fours and three sixes, to help his side set a challenging total of 262 runs.
Alex Falao was the pick of the bowlers for Zimbabwe as he picked up three for 54 runs from his ten overs. He now has eight wickets to his name for the tournament.
👊 Afghanistan and Bangladesh make the final eight
💥 India's twin-centuries
🇺🇬 Murungi makes lasting impressionAll the talking points of #U19CWC day nine!https://t.co/ZkgUz5lVoC
— ICC (@ICC) January 23, 2022
Chasing 262, only three Zimbabwean batters reached double figures.
Opener Matthew Welch top scored with a 61-ball 53, Brian Bennett scored 14 off 23 balls and Rogan Wolhuter made 25 off 52 balls as Zimbabwe were bowled out for just 152.
Zimbabwe will now face Scotland in the plate quarterfinals.
Afghanistan on the other hand will be up against in-form Sri Lanka in Antigua on Friday.
Meanwhile, reigning champions Bangladesh kept alive their dream of retaining the trophy as they registered a nine-wicket victory over United Arab Emirates.
Bangladesh will now face India in a rematch of last edition’s final while the UAE will face Uganda in the opening Plate quarterfinal.