U19s' World Cup dream over

24 February 2008

Tarawar Kohli drives through the off side to carry India to their target © Getty Images

England’s hopes of winning the Under-19 World Cup were ended by a seven-wicket defeat at the hands of India in a one-sided quarter-final.

England were undone by a below-par batting display for the second time in three days, bowled out for 146 before India charged home with almost 11 overs to spare at Kinrara Oval in Kuala Lumpur.

There were echoes of their 13-run defeat by Bangladesh in their final group game as England suffered an alarming collapse.

From the comfort of 73 for one, they lost their last nine wickets for 73 runs, with none of the last seven batsmen reaching double figures.

Abdullah Iqbal claimed 3-29 for India after they won the toss, while James Taylor’s 41 stood out as the highest contribution from an England batsman.

India made short work of a meagre victory target, Taruwar Kohli anchoring their reply with an unbeaten 63 to ensure Tom Westley’s return of 2-30 had no bearing on the result.

England, however, remain in contention to win some silverware - they face the losers of Monday’s quarter-final between Sri Lanka and New Zealand in the Plate semi-final on Wednesday at the Royal Selangor Club.

South Africa booked their place in the semi-final of the competition proper alongside India after trouncing Bangladesh by 201 runs.

A victory target of 243 proved way beyond Bangladesh, who were bowled out for a paltry 41 in just 11.1 overs at Bayuemas Oval.

Left-arm seamer and captain Wayne Parnell starred for the Proteas with remarkable figures of 6-8, having hit 57 off 59 balls earlier on.

In the Plate Championship, Namibia beat Malaysia by nine wickets at Johor Cricket Club, while Zimbabwe went down by 99 runs against Nepal at the MPTI Stadium.