Australia's Jack Edwards (right) celebrates his half-century against Afghanistan during the U-19 World Cup semi-final yesterday. Pic/AFP

Australia cruised into the final of the U-19 World Cup with a six-wicket win over Afghanistan at Christchurch yesterday. Australia chased down Afghanistan's target of 182 at a canter, losing just four wickets. Australian all-rounder Jonathan Merlo took four for 24 with the ball before opening batsman Jack Edwards smashed 72 in a man-of the-match knock. They will play the winner of today's semi-final between India and Pakistan in the final on Saturday.