KABUL retained the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) Under-16 Elite Cup title in Qatar on Tuesday, an official said.

In their final match, the national side trounced Hong Kong by 150 runs to retain the championship, the Afghanistan Cricket Board (ACB) spokesman said.

Farid Hotak told Pajhwok Afghan News, batting first after winning the toss, Afghanistan set the opposition a formidable target of 213 runs in the stipulated 40 overs.

In reply, Hong Kong were skittled out for 66 runs in 24 overs, with Abdul Wase capturing five wickets for the champions, who maintained their unbeaten run during the cup.

The weeklong event began on October 22 in Doha. Organised by the Qatar Cricket Association (QCA), the 40-overs-a-side contest featured under-16 teams from Afghanistan, Hong Kong, Iran, Kuwait and Qatar.

The matches were played at the Mesaied Industrial City Ground and the West End Park Stadium. Two games were played daily, the first one beginning at 9 am and the second at 3pm.

pr/mud