Shinozada’s 163 powers Afghanistan U-19 into ICC WC semis

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan U-19 produced a commanding all-round performance to defeat Ireland U-19 and book their place in the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s U-19 Cricket World Cup.

Earlier on Friday, Afghanistan U-19 captain Mahboob Khan won the toss and elected to bat first, according to the Afghanistan Cricket Board. The decision initially looked risky as Afghanistan lost Khalid Ahmadzai (1) and Osman Sadaat (14) early in the innings.

However, Faisal Khan Shinozada steadied the innings with a superb knock. He first added 75 runs for the third wicket with Uzairullah Khan Niazi (26), before putting on a massive 188-run partnership for the fourth wicket with skipper Mahboob Khan (89).

Shinozada’s outstanding 163 powered Afghanistan U-19 to a strong total of 315/7 in their allotted 50 overs.

With this innings, Faisal Khan Shinozada became only the second Afghan batter to score 150 or more in a U-19 World Cup match, following Karim Janat’s 156 against Fiji U-19 in 2016. His 163 is now the highest individual score by an Afghan batter in U-19 World Cup history.

In response, Afghanistan’s bowlers delivered an equally impressive performance, dismantling the Irish batting lineup and bowling them out for just 124 runs. The comprehensive 191-run victory secured Afghanistan U-19 a place in the semi-finals.

Abdul Aziz Khan (3/21) and Aqil Khan Obaid (3/36) led the bowling attack with three wickets each, while Nasratullah Nooristani (1/16) and Rohullah Arab (1/32) also chipped in with a wicket apiece.

For his match-winning innings, Faisal Khan Shinozada was named Player of the Match.

The victory marks Afghanistan’s third appearance in the semi-finals of the ICC Men’s U-19 World Cup. The semi-final will be played on Wednesday, February 4, with Afghanistan’s opponent to be confirmed on Sunday following the Pakistan vs India match.

sa