Kuala Lumpur, February 25:

Defending champions Pakistan stayed on course for a hat-trick of the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup titles with a six-wicket win over Australia on Monday to enter the semi-finals.

Pakistan, who won in 2004 and 2006, steamrolled Australia for 129 and then surpassed the modest target in the 28th over at the Kinrara Oval. New Zealand joined Pakistan, India and South Africa in the semi-finals with a 80-run victory over Sri Lanka in the last quarter-final at the Royal Selangor Club. The Kiwis scored 213 and then bowled out Sri Lanka for 133 in 42.1 overs.

India clash with New Zealand in Wednesday’s semi-final. Pakistan take on South Africa in the other semi-final on Friday. Nepal will take on Namibia in the Plate Championship semi-finals on Tuesday.