QUEENSTOWN (New Zealand): Two-time champions Pakistan claimed third position at the ICC U-19 World Cup after their thirdplace playoff against Afghanistan was abandoned without a ball being bowled at the Queenstown Events Centre here on Thursday.

Afghanistan and Pakistan were in Group `D` and though Afghanistan defeated Pakistan in their opener, Pakistan topped the group after Afghanistan suffered a surprise defeat against Ireland in their last group match.

While this is Afghanistan`s best finish in a U-19 World Cup after they claimed 16th, 10th, seventh and ninth positions in the 2010, 2012, 2014 and 2016 events, respectively, this is the third time Pakistan have finished third after 2000 and 2010.

Pakistan`s worst performance in a tournament was in 2012 when they finished eighth.

Pakistan, the only country to have won bacl<-toback titles, in 2004 and 2006, got past South Africa by three wickets in the quarter-finals but suffered a crushing 203-run defeat against India in Tuesday`s second semi-final with the team bundled out for only 69 runs.

Afghanistan lost to threetime champions Australia by six wickets in the semifinals after a huge 202-run victory over New Zealand in their last-eight fixture.

Pakistan coach Mansoor Rana said he was happy with the side`s third-place finish and reflected on the tournament and his side`s players.

`We`re happy but we would have liked to be in the final. Both teams wanted to play today and it would have been better if we had played and got these positions,` Mansoor said.

He praised the fast bowling attack comprising Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Musa and Arshad Iqbal.

`I thought we saw talented players in all teams.

Pakistan have some really good fast bowlers and also some good batsmen. I think they should be given more time in domestic cricket.

There are expectations from them but they should play first-class and `A` cricket [before graduating to senior international cricket].

`Our best moment in the tournament was the quarter-final against South Africa, which was a highpressure match. I thought that was great experience and the kind of experience players get here, no other tournament can provide.

Our team enjoyed being inthe semi-finals despite the result.

`We always aimed to win, prepared well. We played in Australia and New Zealand andhad gotused tothe conditions. The loss to India disheartened us and the boys were glum and not talking at all. We had to really lift their spirits ahead of this match. This was a learning curve, if they learn, they will achieve something in life,` he said.

Afghanistan coach Andy Moles, meanwhile, was satisfied with his team`s effort and saw a bright future for several players of his team.

`We`re pleased to finish fourth but would have loved to play Pakistan here. It would have been a chance to test our players against them,` the former county player remarked. `We did not play well against Australia unfortunately but we`ve learnt a lot. The theme of the tournament being young stars, we showcased quite a few. Today we missed out on a chance with the local rivalry in the region. Also, in under-19 cricket you don`t know when you get a chance to play.

Moles said he was expecting a better performance from the slow howling attack consisting of off-spinner Mujeeb Zadran, legspinner Qais Ahmad and chinaman bowler Zahir Khan.

`The spinners did not bowl as consistently as in the U-19 Asia Cup in Malaysia [in November, which Afghanistan won].

When they bowled well, they bowled very well, but at times, they struggled with the length and bowled short.

`Though two of them being picked in the Indian Premier League [Mujeeb by Kings XI Punjab and Zahir by Rajasthan Royals] were a magnificent story. Mujeeb is going from here to join the national side [in Zimbabwe for the ICC World Cup Qualifier], captain Naveen-ul-Haq has bowled well and a few others have done well and they will force their way in,` he said.

Meanwhile, fast bowlers Fraser Jones and Akhona Mnyaka ripped through Bangladesh`s batting lineup as South Africa scored a comfortable eight-wicket victory at the John Davies Oval to finish fifth.

Jones, playing only his second match of the tournament, grabbed 5-33 and lef tarmer Mnyaka took 3-27 as Bangladesh were bowled out for 178 in 41.4 overs after deciding to bat in the playoff match.

The 2014 champions did not face any problems and reached 180-2 in 38.3 overs as captain Raynard van Tonder hit up 82.

Summraised scores: Super League lifth place playoff: At John Davies Oval. Queenstown: South Africa beat Bangladesh by eight wickets. BANGLADESI I 178 in 41.4 overs (Afif I Iossain 63. Shakil I lossain 61; Fraser Jones 5-33. A k hona Mnyaka 3-27); S OU T I I AliRlCA 180-2 in 38.3 overs (Raynard van Tonder 82 not out Hermann Rolfes 44 not out, Matthew Breetzke 36).-Agencies