Tehran- IRAF- Afghanistan’s U‑19 team was eliminated from the tournament on Wednesday, February 4, despite delivering one of its strongest performances in the first innings of the match.
After winning the toss, Afghanistan chose to bat and finished its 50 overs on 310 runs for the loss of just four wickets, a total that raised strong hopes of qualification for the final.
In the batting lineup, Faisal Shinuzada starred with 110 runs, while Azizullah Niazi added 101 runs, forming the backbone of Afghanistan’s total.
For India, Depish Dwandaran and Kanshak Chauhan each claimed two wickets.
However, the momentum shifted in India’s favor during the second innings.
Afghanistan’s bowlers were unable to apply sustained pressure, allowing India to chase down the 311‑run target in just 41.1 overs, losing only three wickets.
Suryavanshi played a decisive role with 68 runs off 33 balls, followed by Ayush Mhatre with 62 runs and Aron George, who delivered a standout performance with 115 runs for India.
In Afghanistan’s bowling attack, Noorstani Omorzi took two wickets and Wahidullah Zadran claimed one, but the rest of the bowlers struggled to contain India’s rapid scoring.
With this victory, India advanced to the final, where they will face England.
Despite the elimination, Afghanistan concluded the tournament with a commendable record—four wins from six matches and a place among the top four teams, marking a notable achievement.
Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s senior national cricket team also delivered an encouraging performance in its second warm‑up match for the 2026 World Cup, defeating the West Indies by 23 runs and demonstrating strong readiness ahead of their first official match against New Zealand.
