Afghanistan edge Pakistan to win U19 tri-series

DUBAI: Afghanistan claimed victory over Pakistan by 21 runs in the U19 tri-series final at the ICC Academy Ground on Tuesday, thanks to half-centuries from Barkat Ibrahimzai and Nazifullah Amiri, followed by a strong team effort with the ball.

Batting first, Afghanistan posted a solid 250/9 in their 50 overs. The innings got off to a shaky start as openers Mahboob Khan (2) and Uzairullah Nizai (7) fell early, leaving the team at 19/2 within five overs.

Faisal Khan Shinozada and Naseer Khan Maroof Khil steadied the innings with a sensible 50-run third-wicket stand, but a middle-order collapse saw Afghanistan slump to 91/6 by the 26th over.

However, Ibrahimzai and Amiri turned the game around with a crucial 120-run partnership for the seventh wicket, lifting their side past the 200-mark.

Ibrahimzai led the charge with a brilliant 69 off 90 balls, hitting six fours and three sixes, earning him the Player of the Match award. Amiri supported with a quick 56 off 60 balls, including five boundaries and two sixes.

Pakistan’s Ali Raza and Abdul Subhan were the pick of the bowlers, taking three wickets each, while Faham Ul Haq and Umar Zaib claimed one apiece.

Chasing 251, Pakistan put up a fight but were bowled out for 229 in 48 overs. Haroon Arshad top-scored with a blistering 70 off 59 balls, while Shahzaib Khan contributed a steady 53 from 98 deliveries.

Farhan Yousaf (29) and Riaz Ullah (21) added valuable runs, but Pakistan’s lower order couldn’t keep up the momentum.

For Afghanistan, Nooristani Omrazai and Naseer Khan Maroof Khil took two wickets each, while Abdul Aziz Khan, Khatir Khan Stanikzai, Allah Mohammad Ghazanfar, and Uzairullah Nizai shared four more wickets.

With this win, Afghanistan sealed the U19 tri-series title, showcasing grit and resilience in both batting and bowling.