South Africa claimed the last spot in the semifinals Friday of the ICC Under-19s World Cup thanks to a 15 run win over England in Christchurch.

England's sorry World Cup campaign, which has seen them lose every match against credible opposition, ended with another defeat as their slim hopes of reaching the last four were crushed.

With their only wins in the tournament against Nepal and Papua New Guinea, England hardly deserved a place in the semifinals, but at one stage it looked as though they may just sneak through.

South Africa made 212 for five from their 50 overs and England had to reach their target within 40.1 overs to claim victory and the bonus point that would earn them qualification from the Super League.

At 88-1 England were cruising, thanks to 44 from Kadeer Ali, but the dismissals in consecutive deliveries of captain Nicky Peng (6) and Bilal Shafayat (38) by Ian Postman took the impetus out of the innings.

Samit Patel (21) briefly threatened to haul England back into contention but his inexperience cost him his wicket as he tried to hit Postman over long on, despite taking two fours off the previous two

deliveries.

Once it became clear that the bonus point was beyond them England's interest waned and South Africa completed victory with exactly 10 overs to spare.

Left-arm spinner Postman claimed 4-56 and Brendon Reddy three wickets as the South Africans set-up a date with India in the first semifinal on Sunday.

"It's very disappointing to lose yet another close game," said England coach Paul Farbrace.

"It shows we could not finish games off and we have not played that well. There is no doubt that our batting has let us down. We have not had anyone in the top five make a match winning score.

"The guys have complained that we have not had any luck, but we have not played well enough to deserve any luck."

South Africa look short of the necessary class to become champions with Australia on a different level to the rest.

Australia are the only side with a 100 per cent record going into the semifinals and they easily overcame rivals New Zealand by seven wickets at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval.

Kiwi opener Jesse Ryder scored a typically flamboyant 70 off 68 balls hitting three sixes and six fours as New Zealand got off to a good start.

However, Aaron Bird returned for a second spell and took three wickets as New Zealand lost their middle

order. Xavier Doherty then took three late wickets as New Zealand were bowled out for a disappointing 194.

Australia slipped to 21 for two but once again were able to move up a gear with a third wicket partnership of 139 between Shaun Marsh (70) and captain Cameron White (80 ) putting hosts New Zealand out of the competition. Australia will meet the West Indies in the second semifinal on Wednesday at the Bert Sutcliffe Oval.

In the Plate Championship Nepal and Namibia will return to Christchurch next week for the semifinals after comprehensive wins in their final group matches.

Namibia thrashed Canada by 141 runs bowling out their opponents for just 85. Namibia were dismissed for 226, but the target was always going to be beyond Canada's means with Johan Nel taking 3-15.

Scotland's hopes of reaching the last four were dependent on victory over Nepal, but they slipped to a 48 run defeat as their batting let them down. Scotland bowled tidily to restrict Nepal to 205 for five, but slow left-armer Shakh Gauchan took 3-32 as Scotland were rumbled for just 157.

The first Plate Championship semifinal takes place on Monday with favourites Zimbabwe taking on Namibia. Bangladesh meet Nepal on Wednesday.