Rehan, Bethell help England beat South Africa, reach semi

NORTH SOUND: A four-wicket haul by spinner Rehan Ahmed and a blazing half-century by Jacob Bethell helped England defeat South Africa, by six wickets and storm into the Super League semi-finals of ICC U19 Cricket World Cup here.

Ahmed claimed four for 48 as South Africa were bundled out for 209 in 43.4 overs despite a classy 97 by Dewald Brevis. In reply, England romped to 212/4 in 31.2 thanks to Bathell's 88 off just 42 deliveries.

Bethell, who was born and raised in Barbados and joined the youth ranks at Warwickshire as a 17-year-old at the start of 2021, blasted 16 boundaries and two sixes as England raced to a superb victory.

The aggression shown by England opener Bethell removed any pressure they may have felt chasing 210, with the Warwickshire man producing one of the best individual knocks of the tournament so far.

Bethell's explosive innings saw England rattle along at over ten runs an over before he fell with the score at 110, already over halfway to the target and with 39.2 overs remaining. He and fellow opener George Thomas (19) added 110 runs for the opening wicket before Bathell went for a slog sweep and failed to connect properly, sending down the throat of Ethan-John Cunningham who took a sharp catch at deep midwicket.

The only tinge of disappointment for Bethell was that he didn't convert his start into what would have been a richly-deserved century.

England raised the remaining runs without much trouble as they sealed a place in the semi-finals.

Earlier, South Africa elected to bat first on winning the toss but soon ran into trouble as they were reduced to 21/2 in the seventh over. IANS

Also Read: We have been able to move the game forward pretty quick: Lanning

Also Watch: