England embrace semi-final challenge at Under-19 World Cup
England await their next challenge at the Under-19 World Cup as they get ready to battle for a spot in the title decider.
England all-rounder Caleb Falconer is not fussed about which team his side will face in the semi-finals of the ICC Under-19 Men's Cricket World Cup.
The European side maintained their unbeaten status and booked their place in the knockout stages of the Under-19 World Cup with an impressive 65-run victory over New Zealand in Bulawayo on Friday and now sit and wait to find out who they will face in the semi-finals.
Their next opponent will be decided on the final day of Super Six action when India take on arch-rival Pakistan, with England set to take on either reigning champions Australia or Asian side Afghanistan in a knockout final four clash.
Unbeaten England enter semis | Match Highlights | U19 CWC 2026
England's juggernaut rolled on with yet another win in the Super Six.
But rather than worry about who his side might face in the semis, Falconer welcomed the challenge and suggested spirits were high among England's playing group as they chased a second Under-19 World Cup title.
"We're feeling pretty confident, you know, we've got a good balance at the moment and there's lots of contributions from lots of different players, which is always a good sign," Falconer said.
"So it doesn't really matter (who we play). We're not too fussed, we'll just take it one game at a time.
"I think the standard will, will rise and there will be some good cricket."
Lumsden five-wicket haul guides England to win | POTM Highlights | U19 CWC 2026
Manny Lumsden's 5/17 set the England win.
Seamer Manny Lumsden was the star with the ball for England as the right-armer claimed superb figures of 5/17 against New Zealand to move to the top of the leading wicket-taker chart at the tournament with a total of 13 scalps from five appearances.
Lumbsden's efforts won him the Player of the Match award and the 17-year-old was glad to make a contribution.
“It’s a lovely feeling. It’s nice to contribute to a win and get five wickets,” Lumsden said.
“It was all about keeping the stumps in play with the variable bounce. You could see that with the last two wickets with the ball shooting low. We’ve won the five games that we have played and all the boys have contributed during the group stage and the Super Sixes.”