Three of the four semi-finalists at the ICC Men’s U19 Cricket World Cup 2024 were decided on Friday, leaving one place up for grabs in the final four on the last day of Super Six action in South Africa.

Australia, South Africa and India have booked their place in the semis, with the race for the fourth and final spot in the knockout stages coming down to Saturday's match between Pakistan and Bangladesh in Benoni.

Pakistan are in the box seat to qualify as they currently sit in second place on the standings in Group 1, but Bangladesh can still overtake them with a resounding victory in the eagerly awaited contest.

With Pakistan currently holding a two-point advantage on Bangladesh and a decent buffer in net run rate (+1.064 in comparison to +0.348), Stuart Law's side know they will need to register a large win if they are to leapfrog their Asian rival.

While the exact equation needed for Bangladesh to catapult Pakistan will largely be reliant on who bats first and how many runs are scored, it's likely Bangladesh will need to win by more than 51 runs if batting first or chase down their victory target within 38.3 overs if batting second.

Any other result other than a comfortable Bangladesh victory will see Pakistan clinch the final spot in the semi-finals, with a second-placed finish in Group 1 the most likely outcome for Saad Baig's side.

If Pakistan do hang on and finish second in Group 1 they will face in-form Australia in the semi-finals, with the three-time tournament victors finishing top of Group 2 and unbeaten at the event so far.

South Africa finished second in Group 2 and will face the top team from Group 1 in the semi-finals, with reigning champions India their most likely opponent.

Source: ICC

BDST: 1249 HRS, FEB 03, 2024
MN/SMS