England aim to leave batting nightmare behind

England vs Bangladesh, 5th Place Playoff Semifinal 2, Queenstown

Bangladesh would look to even out things when they take on England in their second semifinal for the fifth spot playoff in Queenstown on Sunday (January 28).

While Bangladesh coasted to two easy wins, against Namibia and Canada, in their group round, England handed them a seven-wicket beating to confine them to the second spot at the end of the group round. Consequently, they met Asian giants and one of the pre-tournament favourites India in the quarterfinal, only to be knocked out of the semis race courtesy a massive 131-run defeat. Now they have a chance to get one over England, who were shot down for just 96 by Australia in a seemingly easy chase of 128, therefore exiting the semis race.

England, who finished the group round unbeaten, were given a reality check in the semis where Australia's Lloyd Pope registered the best figures (8 for 35) in an U19 World Cup to help side successfully defend 127. England's group round victory over Bangladesh would give them a psychological edge. While the bowlers have all chipped in, batting department has been led by Liam Banks, Harry Brook and Will Jacks, who all have a hundred against their name.

The winner meets South Africa in the fifth place shoot-off on Wednesday (January 31), while the loser plays New Zealand for the seventh spot on Tuesday (January 30).

Sri Lanka vs Windies, Plate Final, Lincoln

Still ruing their failure to qualify for the Super League, defending champions Windies will face off against Sri Lanka in the Plate final clash.

Having failed to finish amongst the tournament's elite eight, Sri Lanka bounced back strongly by posting a tournament record total of 419 for 4 against Kenya, with opener Hasitha Boyagoda registering the highest-ever individual score in a Youth ODI of 191 off just 152 deliveries, before marching on to a mammoth 311-run victory. This was followed by a convincing five-wicket win against Zimbabwe to secure their spot in the plate final.

Windies will make a consolation final appearance on the back of two comprehensive victories. Despite being pushed hard by Ireland in their plate quarterfinal, Windies recovered well after an early stutter to chase down the 279-run target with four wickets to spare. A commanding 187-run win in their plate semis against Canada, set up by opener Keagan Simmons' 166, further restored their confidence as they head into the final.

Sri Lanka have met Windies four times in the U9 World Cup history but are yet to get off the mark against the Caribbean side.

Zimbabwe vs Canada, 11th Place Playoff, Rangiora

After disappointing campaigns, all Zimbabwe and Canada cam aim for is a finish at the 11th spot. Canada's only win came against a hapless PNG attack and against Namibia. Zimbabwe too posted their wins against the same two teams.

Both teams have endured a tough time and would want to end the tournament on a high. More is at stake for the Zimbabwe players with them being a relatively more established team.