Kabul: January 16, 2026: Afghanistan Future Stars have put on a terrific all-round performance to beat South Africa U19s by 28 runs and begin their campaign in the ICC Men's U19 Cricket World Cup 2026 with a comprehensive victory.
After being put into bat first, Afghanistan lost Osman Sadaat (4)
early, but Faisal Khan Shinozada (81) and Khalid Ahmadzai (74) shared 152 runs
for the second wicket, shortly before a collapse brought the score to 186/5.
Uzairullah Khan Niazi stepped in with a crucial half-century and, with an
unbeaten 51* off 51 balls, lifted the total to 266/8 at the end of the first
inning.
In return, South Africa U19s smashed 18 runs off the first five
deliveries before Abdul Aziz Khan castled the dangerous-looking opener with a
terrific in-coming delivery to give Afghanistan a perfect start in the second
inning.
Afghanistan U19s kept striking, while the South African U19s kept
chipping with runs, getting things right down to the wire. However, with some
outstanding work in the field and with the ball in hand, AfghanZwanan kept
things tight, bundled the opposition for 238 runs, and registered a 28-run
victory to begin their promising campaign.
Khatir Stanikzai (2/46) and Abdul Aziz Khan (2/48) bagged two wickets
each, whereas Nooristani Omarzai (1/51) and Hafeez Zadran (1/26) picked up a
wicket to contribute to the winning cause.
It was Uzairullah Khan Niazi’s day, as he claimed a well-deserved
Player of the Match award for an unbeaten half-century, a superb run-out, and
two outstanding catches.
After getting to a winning start to the U19 World Cup, Afghanistan
Future Stars will meet West Indies U19s on Sunday, January 18, at the same
venue, the High Performance Oval in Windhoek.