USA shocks Ireland, while PNG winning streak continues

The USA produced the shock of the day at the ICC U19 Cricket World Cup Qualifier on Friday when it defeated one of the favourites, Ireland, by 42 runs.

After making 217-6 off 50 overs, Ireland was then dismissed for just 175 all out to complete a famous victory for a talented USA, who remains undefeated at this event.

Ryan Corns' contribution was key, hitting a brilliant 86, before he was run out and US coach Sew Shivnaraine paid tribute to his efforts.

"Ryan played the major innings of 86, but should have gone on to reach a hundred," said Shrivnaraine.

"The run out was a piece of good fielding. Ryan's innings showed he knows how to play cricket. He knows the game and showed his class."

"I made a decision that we would go into the game with six spinners, one pace bowler and a medium pacer. We brought in an all-rounder and had batting down to number ten. Ireland is a good team, but when we got the first five wickets it put us on top. We followed the plan and stuck to it."

Papua New Guinea also continued its winning streak with a 92-run win over Uganda, after Charles Amini took 3-21, while Canada got its campaign back on track with a 77-run defeat of the Netherlands.

Afghanistan got its first win of the tournament, when it gained revenge for its defeat by Hong Kong in the Asia qualifier.

Hong Kong, who had lost its opening two matches at the tournament, made 195 all out with Nizakat Khan top scoring with 59. Izatullah Dawlatzai was the pick of the Afghanistan attack taking 4-31. In reply, Jawid Ahmadi (58) and Noor ul Haq (44 not out) led the way for Afghanistan, who comfortably reached its victory target.

In Saturday's fixtures, the pick of the fixtures sees PNG take on Ireland and USA face Uganda. Other matches see Afghanistan play Vanuatu and Canada take on Hong Kong. The match between Netherlands and Sierra Leone is abandoned.