Spin shootout looms for U19 semi-final

Australia's focus has turned from the unearthing a potential spin star to the threat posed by Afghanistan's ahead of their Under-19 World Cup semi-final.

Asian champions Afghanistan crushed hosts New Zealand in the quarter-finals by 202 runs, led by off-spinner Mujeeb Zadran (4-14) and leg-spinner Qais Ahmad (4-33).

Monday's final-four clash in Christchurch is shaping as a battle of the slow bowlers after Australian legspinner Lloyd Pope claimed a tournament record 8-35 to prevent England chasing down Australia's 127 on Tuesday.

Qais leads the tournament for wicket-takers with 12 at 11.66, ahead of South Australian Pope has 10 wickets at 8.8.

The 16-year-old Mujeeb starred in last year's U19 Asian Cup with 12 wickets from three matches.

Batsman Austin Waugh said Australia would be doing its homework on their opponents.

"It was obviously a great win, but we're now back to focusing on the Afghan game and looking for a big semi-final, pushing for a final spot," Waugh said.

"All the boys are looking for the next game to step up.

"We've obviously got a little bit of footage of them, but we'll be more keen on looking at that game yesterday.

"They've obviously got a couple of good spinners, so we'll be looking at the footage of them to see how they go about it."

Afghanistan are also a capable batting side, scoring 7-284 and 6-309 against Sri Lanka and New Zealand respectively when they have batted first in the tournament.

Their only hiccup was a loss to Ireland in the group stage.

Australia last played Afghanistan at U19 level in a 2014 World Cup group-stage clash.

And it was Afghanistan who came out on top, beating a side featuring Ben McDermott, Cameron Valente and Billy Stanlake by 36 runs.