Windhoek/Harare, Jan 16 (.) Afghanistan produced a sensational performance to defeat South Africa by 28 runs, while Australia and England registered convincing victories in the Under-19 World Cup on Friday.
In Windhoek, Afghanistan scored 266 for 8, with half-centuries from Faisal Shinozada (81), Khalid Ahmadzai (74), and Uzairullah Niazai (51) forming the backbone of their innings. After the early dismissal of opener Osman Sadat, Ahmadzai and Shinozada added 152 runs for the second wicket, laying a solid platform. Bayanda Majola broke through in the 35th over to remove Ahmadzai, and Shinozada followed soon after, leaving Afghanistan at 183 for 3. Niazai then steadied the innings with a quick 51, ensuring Afghanistan reached a competitive total. Majola and Corne Botha claimed three wickets each for South Africa.
Chasing 267, South Africa started positively but lost early wickets. Jason Rowles played a valiant innings of 98, anchoring the chase, but was run out in the 41st over. Despite a late cameo from Botha, South Africa fell short at 238 all out. Khatir Stanikzai’s catch to dismiss Botha in the 47th over proved pivotal as Afghanistan sealed a memorable victory.
In Harare, England overcame Pakistan by 37 runs in a contest dominated by England’s middle order. England were struggling at 67 for 3 in the 16th over on a slow pitch when Caleb Falconer arrived at the crease. Falconer scored 66 off 73 balls and shared an 80-run partnership with Ralphie Albert, stabilising the innings. Ahmed Hussain later broke the partnership by dismissing Albert for 25, with Hussain finishing with 3 for 38. England posted 210 all out, with contributions from other bowlers keeping Pakistan under pressure.
Pakistan’s chase faltered early as Alex Green and James Minto reduced them to 28 for 3. Captain Farhan Yousaf fought hard, scoring 65 off 86 deliveries, but he lacked support from the rest of the batting line-up. Momin Qamar’s 18* was the next highest score, and Pakistan were eventually bowled out for 173. England thus started the day with a 37-run victory.
Meanwhile, in Windhoek, Australia defeated Ireland by eight wickets, powered by a commanding century from Steven Hogan (115) and an unbeaten 77 from Nitesh Samuel. Ireland, batting first, made 235 for 7, with Rob O’Brien top-scoring with 79 and Freddie Ogilby contributing 49. Early breakthroughs by John James and Charles Lachmund had threatened to derail Ireland’s innings, but a steady partnership between O’Brien and Ogilby helped push the total to a competitive level.
In reply, Australia got off to a strong start, with Hogan and Samuel dominating the chase. Their 186-run partnership put Australia in complete control, with Hogan reaching his century off 97 balls, including 11 fours and a six. Despite a late wicket from medium-pacer Luke Murray, Australia needed only 20 more runs when Hogan fell, and Samuel guided the team to victory with 62 balls remaining, finishing unbeaten on 77.
The wins give Afghanistan, Australia, and England a strong boost as the tournament progresses, setting up intriguing contests in the next stages of the U-19 World Cup.
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