The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Afghanistan Under-19 started their campaign at the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026 with a 28-run victory over South Africa Under-19 in their opening match.
Afghanistan posted 266 for 8 in their allotted 50 overs
after being sent in to bat. Faisal Khan led the innings with a patient 81 off
95 balls, while Khalid Ahmadzai added 74 runs from 102 deliveries to anchor the
middle order.
In response, South Africa Under-19 were bowled out for 238
in 47.4 overs, falling short despite a competitive chase.
Afghanistan’s bowlers held their nerve in the closing
stages, with Khatir Stanikzai and Abdul Aziz Khan each claiming two wickets.
Stanikzai finished with figures of 2 for 46, while Abdul Aziz Khan took 2 for
49.
The match went down to the wire, but Afghanistan maintained
composure under pressure to defend their total and secure a comprehensive win.
The victory gives Afghanistan Under-19 a strong start to
their campaign in the ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup 2026, being jointly
hosted by Zimbabwe and Namibia.
