Pakistan face off against South Africa at the Hagley Oval on Wednesday for a place in the semifinals of the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup.
Both the teams qualified for the quarterfinals with two victories and a defeat, but Pakistan emerged as winners of Group D, edging out Afghanistan on net run rate, while South Africa had to settle for second place in Group A after being beaten by New Zealand.
After losing their opening fixture to Afghanistan by five wickets, Pakistan came back with a roar against Ireland, bundling out their opponents for 97 thanks to a brilliant spell by Shaheen Shah Afridi. The Green Shirts then chased down the target in just 8.5 overs, boosting their net run rate.
They then sealed top spot in Group D with a three-wicket win over Sri Lanka in a thriller.
Pakistan are the third-most successful team in ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup history, behind only India and Australia, having taken home the title twice, in 2004 and 2006.
The match will start at 2:30am Pakistan time (10:30am local time).
