ICC U-19 World Cup: Ali Zaryab's half-century guides Pak to semis

Dubai [UAE], Jan 24 (ANI): Pakistan registered a three-wicket victory over South Africa to secure their spot in the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup semi-finals, here in Christchurch on Wednesday.

With help of Left-handed batsman Ali Zaryab's 74 for not out, two-time champions Pakistan reached their target of 190 in 47.5 overs after the pace-duo of Musa and Shaheen had shared five scalps to help restrict South Africa to 189 for nine.

Zaryab was well accompanied by Saad to add 65 crucial runs for the sixth wicket, which proved to be decisive in a low-scoring affair.

This was Zaryab's third half-century in the tournament and second successive player of the match award after his 59 runs against Sri Lanka.

Earlier in the day, Pakistan fast bowlers Musa and Shaheen justified Hassan's decision to bowl first as they made deep inroads into a strong South Africa's batting line-up.

Shaheen struck as soon as he was introduced into the attack in the sixth over as he removed openers Matthew Breetzke (12) and Jiveshan Pillay (14).

With the two wickets, Shaheen's wicket tally in the tournament has reached to 11, the joint-highest along with Canada's Faisal Jamkhandi.

Musa chipped in with the wickets of captain Raynard van Tonder (4) and Hermann Rolfes (5) as South Africa were left reeling at 43 for four in the 15th over.

He also dismissed a well-set Makwetu to further reduce South Africa's chances of a fightback.

The victory over the 2014 champions means Pakistan will now play the winners of Friday's quarter-final between India and Bangladesh in the second semi-final in Christchurch on January 30. (ANI)