England first through to U19 final after nail-biter

England are through to their first Under-19 World Cup final in 24 years after scrapping over the line against Afghanistan in a rain-affected first semi-final overnight.

Both sides were in positions to win the match throughout, with a brilliant penultimate over by English leg-spinner Rehan Ahmad proving decisive in England's 15-run win in Antigua.

A pre-match shower saw the game reduced to 47 overs per side, and England started poorly after winning the toss when Jacob Bethell was trapped in front with just nine on the board.

Afghanistan's spinners proved hard to handle as the top order slipped to 4-92, with only opener George Thomas (50) looking comfortable until he offered a return catch to former Melbourne Renegades spinner Noor Ahmad.

George Bell and Alex Horton shared a 95-run stand to close out the innings, with Bell finishing 56 not out, while Horton hit five boundaries and a six in his 36-ball 53.

It saw England post 231 from their 47-overs and their momentum continued into the second innings when left-arm opening bowler Joshua Boyden found a way through Nangeyalia Kharote's defence on just the third ball.

Afghanistan didn't let the early wicket deter them from playing their natural attacking style however, with Mohammad Ishaq and Allah Noor taking it up the English bowlers.

The two struck eight boundaries and five sixes between them in their 93-run second wicket partnership and put their side in a strong winning position.

But some poor running saw Ishaq run out on 43, leading to a string of Afghanistan wickets falling.

Captain Suliman Safi came and went for a duck, and Noor was gone for a well-made 60 shortly after to leave the Afghans at 4-106 after 28 overs.

Afghanistan took 20 runs off a wild over from James Sales that included a wicket off a no-ball to set up a thrilling final three overs with 23 required to win.

A brilliant over from Boyden saw just four singles conceded, before Rehan sealed the match with three wickets – all from wrong'un deliveries – and just one run, leaving Afghanistan needing 18 from the last six balls.

It wasn't to be for Afghanistan who fell 15 runs short, with Rehan's 4-41 and incredible over capping a famous victory for England's U19s.

England now advance to the final, which will be played at Sir Vivian Richards stadium this weekend, where they will meet the winner of the second semi-final between India and Australia.

That match will begin at midnight tonight AEDT on Fox Cricket and Kayo, with the loser to face Afghanistan in the third-place playoff.